POSITIVE FEEDBACKS AT WORK DURING FEEDING

Abstract

Detailed feeding patterns of the first phase of a meal were recorded by direct observation in mice. It was found that fasting increased duration of uninterrupted feeding bouts and shortened non-feeding intervals. Eating of normal palatable food increased duration of successive feeding bouts, but did not influence the duration of non-feeding intervals. Bitter food markedly inhibited the lengthening of successive feeding bouts, but did not influence the duration of non-feeding intervals. It is concluded that oral taste factors may produce positive feedbacks that strengthen feeding. The significance of this positive feedback mechanism has been discussed briefly.