Abstract

Sucralose was initially developed as a taste stimulant to be analogous to the sweetness of sucrose. However, discoveries of intestinal chemoreceptors and intestinal nutrient effects on feeding allow the possibility that sucralose can inhibit feeding if intestinally infused. Therefore, it is uncertain whether or not the newly synthesized, non- caloric sweetener sucralose will inhibit feeding. The behavioral response to sucralose was tested and compared with the behavioral response to water and 0.6 M glucose by means of a duodenal infusion to rats of different ages. A duodenal infusion is an adequate means of testing because most nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestines. Water, the control, is known to have no effect on feeding. On the other hand, 0.6 M glucose served as a comparison, for an infusion of it is known to inhibit feeding. Intestinal infusion cannulas were designed for adult rats and rat pups to best infuse each. The testing environments were also specifically designed for each test because different age rats have to be tested in different environments. Modifications were made throughout the experiment according to the results for each test. Initially, stronger concentrations of sucralose were used followed by the necessity of older rats. Different cannulas were also required for infusions when the transition from young pups to adult rats was made. In addition, a different testing environment was constructed for testing adult rats. Finally, the testing conditions were correct for the one rat from which results, a slight decrease in feeding after a high sucralose concentration was infusion, were obtained.