Methylphenidate-induced conditioned taste aversions: An index of toxicity

Following consumption of saccharin, groups of rats were injected with various doses of methylphenidate hydrochloride. Small aversions were found after one conditioning trial, with repeated saccharin-methlyphenidate pairings resulting in continued decrements in consumption. The strength of the aversion as well as the amount of individual variability were dose-related, with weaker aversions and greater individual variability occurring at the smaller dose (15 mg/kg). Although aversions were quite pronounced at higher doses, individual variability, although small, was still evident. The similarities and differences between methylphenidate-induced aversions and aversions based on emetics were discussed, along with the implications of these results as indices for methylphenidate-induced toxicity.