Differential effects of lipoprivation and food deprivation on chow and milk intake in 25- and 30-day-old rats

The effects of administration of mercaptoacetate (MA) and overnight food deprivation on intake of chow and milk diets were investigated in juvenile rats. In rats aged 25 or 30 days, administration of mercaptoacetate-stimulated intake of rat chow, while either suppressing intake or not affecting intake of milk diets. These effects were observed when each diet was presented individually, and when animals had both diets simultaneously. In contrast, overnight food deprivation led to enhanced intake of both diets, whether presented individually or available simultaneously. These results suggest that by 25 days of age, rats acquire an adult-like increase in food intake following lipoprivation by administration of MA. However, the effects of MA on intake in animals at these ages depends on the diet offered.