The direct enhancement of positive palatability by chlordiazepoxide is antagonized by Ro 15-1788 and CGS 8216

Abstract

In a pre previous study, it was found that positive, palatability-dependent consummatory reactions in rats to intraorally infused tastes were facilitated by chlordiazepoxide (10 mg/kg). In contrast, the rats' more neutral or aversive reactions to these tastes were not facilitated by chlordiazepoxide. This suggested that chlordiazepoxide might selectively enhance the positive palatability of tastes. This effect was replicated in the present experiment, and in addition, the benzodiazepine antagonists Ro 15-1788 and CGS 8216 were found to counteract the enhancement of positive ingestive reactions produced by chlordiazepoxide. These antagonist effects generally suggest that the benzodiazepine receptor complex may be involved in making tastes more palatable after chlordiazepoxide administration.