Liquid sucrose bingeing in rats depends on the access schedule, concentration and delivery system

Previous studies have reported binge-type consumption of solid vegetable shortening in non-food deprived rats maintained on schedules of limited shortening access. The current study determined if limited access would promote binge-type consumption of sucrose solutions. Adult male rats (6 groups, n = 10 each) were provided with one of three different sucrose concentrations (3.2%, 10%, 32% w/v) for 2 h either everyday (Daily) or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (Intermittent). A 'binge' during the 2-h access periods was operationally defined as Intermittent intakes significantly greater than Daily intakes. Sucrose initially was provided in a 100 ml glass tube equipped with a stainless-steel drinking spout. Under these conditions, there were no differences in sucrose intake between Daily and Intermittent groups at any of the concentrations. In contrast, when sucrose was provided in a modified 60 ml plastic syringe with the same drinking spout, intakes of the Intermittent groups consuming 3.2% and 10% sucrose were greater than those of the respective Daily groups, indicating that binge-type consumption of sucrose occurred. These results demonstrate that brief, intermittent access to low and moderate concentrations of sucrose can promote binge-type behavior, and the characteristics of the drinking apparatus can affect sucrose intake.