Effects of preloading on the acquisition and maintenance of schedule-induced polydipsia

Rats allowed to consume a glucose/saccharin mixture for 30 min prior to each experimental session failed to acquire schedule-induced polydipsia when compared to rats allowed only water during this period. Further, if rats that had developed schedule-induced polydipsia were allowed access to the glucose/saccharin mixture prior to each experimental session, their schedule-induced drinking was abolished. These results indicate that preloading prevents the acquisition of schedule-induced drinking and abolishes established polydipsia.