Food and sweeteners consumption under chronic stress conditions in rats

Abstract

Several studies have reported an increase in food consumption under conditions of stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic stress on food and water (with glucose or sucralose) consumption in rats. Twelve three months old Wistar rats (6 females and 6 males) divided in three groups were used. Group 1 received a solution of 200 ml of water with 5 g of glucose, Group 2 a solution of 200 ml of water with 2 g of sucralose and Group 3 received 200 ml of water. All groups received 50 g of food, available during two hours. Experiment was divided in 5 phases. Phases 1, 3 and 5 were of baseline (10 days). Phases 2 and 4 were experimental periods (3 days), in which stress by means of a pressure clamp was applied during the period in which solutions and food were available. Results indicated that stress modified the water consumption in glucose group and the food consumption in the three groups.