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Background: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (OGDs) are key symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which may lead to neurological complications, and lack of effective treatment. This may be because post-disease treatments may be too late to protect the olfactory and gustatory functions., Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of early use of saline nasal irrigation (SNI), corticosteroid nasal spray, and saline or chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash for preventing OGDs in COVID-19., Design: This study was a double-blind randomized controlled trial., Methods: The study was conducted from 5 May to 16 June 2022. We recruited patients from three hospitals who were admitted with COVID-19 but without OGDs on the day of admission. Olfactory and gustatory functions were evaluated using the Taste and Smell Survey and the numerical visual analog scale. Participants were randomized to the saline, drug or control groups. The control group received no intervention, saline group received SNI plus saline nasal spray and mouthwash, and the trial group received SNI plus budesonide nasal spray and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. Participants were assessed again on the day of discharge., Results: A total of 379 patients completed the trial. The prevalence of OGDs was significantly lower in the saline (11.8%, 95% CI, 6.6-19.0%; P < 0.001) and drug (8.3%, 95% CI, 4.1-14.8%; P < 0.001) groups than in the control group (40.0%, 95% CI, 31.8-48.6%). Additionally, both interventions reduced the severity of OGDs., Conclusions: We demonstrated effective strategies for preventing COVID-19-related OGDs, and the findings may guide early management of severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to reduce the incidence of COVID-19-related complications., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Physicians. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Context: Effects of a radioprotective, standardized leaf extract (code SBL-1) from traditional medicinal plant, sea buckthorn [Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Elaeagnaceae)], on neurotransmitters and brain injuries in rats showing radiation-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA), are not known. Understanding CTA in rats is important because its process is considered parallel to nausea and vomiting in humans., Objective: This study investigated the levels of neurotransmitters, antioxidant defences and histological changes in rats showing radiation CTA, and their modification by SBL-1., Materials and Methods: The inbred male Sprague-Dawley rats (age 65 days, weighing 190 ± 10 g) were used. Saccharin-preferring rats were selected using standard procedure and divided into groups. Group I (untreated control) was administered sterile water, group II was 60 Co-γ-irradiated (2 Gy), and group III was administered SBL-1 before irradiation. Observations were recorded up to day 5., Results: Irradiation (2 Gy) caused (i) non-recoverable CTA (≥ 64.7 ± 5.0%); (ii) degenerative changes in cerebral cortex, amygdala and hippocampus; (iii) increases in brain dopamine (DA, 63.4%), norepinephrine (NE, 157%), epinephrine (E, 233%), plasma NE (103%) and E (160%); and (iv) decreases in brain superoxide dismutase (67%), catalase (60%) and glutathione (51%). SBL-1 treatment (12 mg/kg body weight) 30 min before irradiation (i) countered brain injuries, (ii) reduced CTA (38.7 ± 3.0%, day 1) and (iii) normalized brain DA, NE, E, superoxide dismutase, catalase and CTA from day 3 onwards., Discussion and Conclusion: Radiation CTA was coupled with brain injuries, disturbances in neurotransmitters and antioxidant defences. SBL-1 pretreatment countered these disturbances, indicating neuroprotective action.

Background: Metallic taste is a taste alteration frequently reported by cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Attention to this side effect of chemotherapy is limited. This review addresses the definition, assessment methods, prevalence, duration, etiology, and management strategies of metallic taste in chemotherapy treated cancer patients., Methods: Literature search for metallic taste and chemotherapy was performed in PubMed up to September 2014, resulting in 184 articles of which 13 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria: English publications addressing metallic taste in cancer patients treated with FDA-approved chemotherapy. An additional search in Google Scholar, in related articles of both search engines, and subsequent in the reference lists, resulted in 13 additional articles included in this review. Cancer patient forums were visited to explore management strategies., Findings: Prevalence of metallic taste ranged from 9.7% to 78% among patients with various cancers, chemotherapy treatments, and treatment phases. No studies have been performed to investigate the influence of metallic taste on dietary intake, body weight, and quality of life. Several management strategies can be recommended for cancer patients: using plastic utensils, eating cold or frozen foods, adding strong herbs, spices, sweetener or acid to foods, eating sweet and sour foods, using 'miracle fruit' supplements, and rinsing with chelating agents., Interpretation: Although metallic taste is a frequent side effect of chemotherapy and a much discussed topic on cancer patient forums, literature regarding metallic taste among chemotherapy treated cancer patients is scarce. More awareness for this side effect can improve the support for these patients., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Most patients diagnosed with tongue carcinoma undergo surgical resection and reconstructive surgery to preserve tongue mobility and swallowing functions. Twenty-four patients who underwent a total or subtotal glossectomy and surgical reconstruction were evaluated for residual taste sensation. The graded filter paper test for all four tastes (sweet, salt, sour, and bitter) was performed on the posterior wall of the oropharynx and on tongue remnants if they were visible from the mouth. Eleven of the 24 patients were aware of their taste disorder after surgery. Four patients with more than 1/2 residual tongue base had no taste complaints, whereas seven of 14 patients with less than 1/3 residual tongue base reported taste abnormalities. Patients who could only tolerate a poor diet or tube feeding tended to have taste complaints (P=0.017). The taste test showed that the taste threshold of the residual tongue was significantly lower compared to controls. The taste threshold was significantly correlated with the remaining volume of tongue base. Patients with >1/2 the tongue base remaining had good taste sensation, whereas those with <1/3 residual tissue had impaired taste. This study suggests that glossectomy strategies aimed at preserving at least half the tongue base may substantially reduce dysgeusia in the patients., (Copyright © 2014 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of atypical Mycobacterium identified by routine sinus cultures and review the recent literature on management., Methods: A retrospective case series was performed in a tertiary academic hospital. A retrospective case series of all patients treated with atypical Mycobacterium rhinosinusitis from 2005 to 2010 was performed. Cases were identified from a prospective database of 676 endoscopically guided sinus cultures., Results: Eight patients with atypical Mycobacterium sinusitis were identified. There were five women and three men. Median age was 63 years (range, 55-71 years). All patients had prior endoscopic sinus surgery a median of 14 months (range, 0.8-162 months) before a positive culture result. Species identified included Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium abscessus, and Mycobacterium avium complex. Chief presenting symptoms were postnasal discharge (88%), followed by decreased smell and taste (63%), and facial pain/pressure (38%). Patients were treated based on sensitivity results with long-term oral antibiotics for at least 2 months based on improvements on endoscopy. Median follow-up for patients in this study after treatment was 1.3 years (range, 0.6-4.6 years)., Conclusion: In this study, atypical mycobacteria were identified in <1% of sinus cultures. Prolonged, culture-directed antibiotic therapy remains the mainstay of treatment when there is clinical evidence of infection. Previous endoscopic sinus surgery may represent a risk factor for colonization and subsequent infection. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal treatment duration and management to prevent disease relapse.

Objective: To review the literature on the role of probiotics as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections., Data Sources: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-March 2011) using the terms H. pylori, probiotic, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Bacillus clausii, and Propionibacterium. Article references were hand-searched for additional relevant articles and abstracts., Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language articles published in full were evaluated. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials assessing the use of probiotics combined with standard eradication therapy of H. pylori infection in adults were included in the review., Data Synthesis: Various probiotics, including Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and B. clausii, reduce adverse effects such as nausea, taste disturbance, diarrhea, and epigastric pain, and increase tolerability of H. pylori eradication therapy. Based on the studies reviewed, probiotics do not affect H. pylori eradication rates., Conclusions: Probiotics may be beneficial in reducing adverse effects and increasing tolerability of H. pylori eradication regimens. They may especially be helpful in patients with recurrent H. pylori infection and a history of gastrointestinal adverse effects with antibiotics. Pharmacists can play an important role in educating patients regarding probiotic use during H. pylori eradication therapy.

A common complaint voiced by older people living in residential care is that the food lacks taste. When older people find food tasteless, the pleasure gained from eating and therefore, their appetite may be compromised, as will their food choices, nutrition, immune systems, functional status and well-being. However, often nurses overlook these symptoms as 'inevitable and irreversible' aspects of ageing, which they are not. In fact, many older people experience chemosensory (taste and smell) disorders or loss which means they lose the ability to taste the flavour of food. Commonly overlooked is the fact that chemosensory loss may well be a significant contributing factor to the high level of under-nutrition reported in residential care in Australia. Our purpose in this article is to explore important issues related to taste and smell dysfunction; the physiology of these sensations; several causes distinct from ageing; and interventions to help older people again enjoy their food with the concomitant advantages to their health and well-being. We also consider the way in which legislation related to Government funding has influenced gerontological nurses' assessment skills and values, particularly concerning nutrition assessment to the detriment of not only older people living in residential care but also the profession of gerontological nursing. Attention is drawn to the need for nurses to up-date their clinical knowledge, assessment skills and practice including enhancing the flavour of food and the social occasion of dining for older people living in residential care.

Disturbance of taste is common following radiotherapy of head and neck malignancy, that adversely affect systemic health and quality of life. Therapy remains problematic and there is thus a need for effective preventative and curative strategies for radiotherapy-associated taste disturbance. The present article reviews current knowledge of taste dysfunction associated with head and neck malignancy., (Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a common treatment option for adolescents with various diseases; however, the aggressive therapy often causes significant side effects that can lead to poor eating. There is little documentation of eating experiences and necessary support needed after the initial BMT hospitalization. This phenomenological study, guided by Martin Heidegger's philosophical influences, revealed the meaning of adolescents' eating experiences, eating strategies, and the impact of eating on the adolescents' quality of life during the first 100 days post-BMT. Individual interviews were conducted at 50 and 100 days post-BMT. Data analysis used the hermeneutic circle and revealed 5 themes. Adolescents discussed the slow return of eating, barriers that affected their eating, personal eating strategies, significance of eating, and feelings regarding eating. Eating issues do not end when a BMT patient is discharged from the hospital, and caregivers need to have a better understanding of the ongoing issues affecting adolescents throughout the BMT recovery phase.

Purpose/objectives: To describe factors related to taste changes, to examine patients' use of a self-care suggestion sheet to manage taste changes associated with chemotherapy, and to identify potentially useful strategies for managing specific taste changes after chemotherapy., Design: Quasi-experimental, pre/post design., Setting: Four outpatient urban and suburban oncology centers in Illinois., Sample: 42 patients who had received at least two cycles of chemotherapy previously identified to be associated with taste changes., Methods: Pre- and postintervention survey of taste changes; patient education regarding self-care for taste changes., Main Research Variables: Taste changes, taste change strategies, and self-care., Findings: Most patients that reported taste changes had affected their ability to eat. Taste changes and strategies varied somewhat according to chemotherapy regimen. Avoiding strong-smelling or -tasting foods, eating blander foods, drinking more water with foods, oral care before eating, and eating smaller, more frequent meals were reported to help., Conclusions: Taste changes are common in patients receiving cisplatin, carboplatin, or cyclophosphamide. At-risk patients may benefit from prechemotherapy teaching regarding specific taste change management suggestions. Use of a taste change suggestion sheet encouraged self-care, and counseling patients regarding strategies to deal with taste changes may help them during chemotherapy., Implications for Nursing: Nurses should incorporate patient education tools that promote self-care regarding the management of taste changes in patients with known factors that could affect taste early in their chemotherapy.

Aim: Hypo-estrogenism during menopause is the cause of numerous disturbances affecting various structures such as the oral cavity which can present with the following symptoms: changes in salivary secretion, gingivitis, bleeding and altered taste sensation. The object is to study whether hormone replacement therapy prescribed for female patients in menopause have any beneficial effect on the oral discomfort which affects the quality of life of these patients., Methods: The study enrolled 95 female patients; 14 were the control group and received no hormone replacement therapy while 81 patients underwent two types of therapy: 38 were prescribed estrogen therapy and 43 phytotherapy. The main outcome measures were alterations of the oral cavity: salivary change, gingivitis, bleeding and taste changes., Results: It was observed that the patients receiving treatment had an improvement or disappearance of symptoms in the oral cavity and that estrogen was more effective than phytotherapy regarding the salivary change while the gingivitis, bleeding and taste changes was the same for both therapies., Conclusions: Estrogen and phytotherapy have beneficial effect on oral discomfort in women in menopause. The proposed treatment can have a beneficial effect on osteopenia and osteoporosis and therefore also on possible increase of future tooth loss during menopause.

Large sections of the medical community have, in the past, thought of human olfaction as a minor sense that was destined to disappear soon. This view has changed completely in the last two decades. This article will attempt to highlight the most important recent advances in our understanding of the human olfactory function and focus in particular on questions for the future and developments required in this field.

Radiotherapy is used in the setting of curative treatment for head and neck cancer. Xerostomia and related problems occur when major salivary glands are included in the irradiation fields. This reduces quality of life (QOL). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a well accepted treatment or prevention modality for osteoradionecrosis of the jawbones and soft-tissue necrosis. It is unknown if and to what extent HBOT influences xerostomia and xerostomia-related QOL. To address this, a prospective study was conducted. Twenty-one patients who underwent radiotherapy for an oral or oropharyngeal carcinoma completed a European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL questionnaire before HBOT, as part of the treatment/prevention of osteoradionecrosis, and 1 and 2 years after HBOT. Swallowing-related problems significantly decreased in time, and there was a reported subjective increase in saliva quantity and an improvement in sense of taste. The results suggest that HBOT may positively influence these long-term radiotherapy sequelae.

Purpose: Taste alterations (dysgeusia) are well described in head and neck cancer patients who undergo radiotherapy (RT). Anecdotal observations and pilot studies have suggested zinc may mitigate these symptoms. This multi-institutional, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to provide definitive evidence of this mineral's palliative efficacy., Methods and Materials: A total of 169 evaluable patients were randomly assigned to zinc sulfate 45 mg orally three times daily vs. placebo. Treatment was to be given throughout RT and for 1 month after. All patients were scheduled to receive > or =2,000 cGy of external beam RT to > or =30% of the oral cavity, were able to take oral medication, and had no oral thrush at study entry. Changes in taste were assessed using the previously validated Wickham questionnaire., Results: At baseline, the groups were comparable in age, gender, and planned radiation dose (<6,000 vs. > or =6,000 cGy). Overall, 61 zinc-treated (73%) and 71 placebo-exposed (84%) patients described taste alterations during the first 2 months (p = 0.16). The median interval to taste alterations was 2.3 vs. 1.6 weeks in the zinc-treated and placebo-exposed patients, respectively (p = 0.09). The reported taste alterations included the absence of any taste (16%), bitter taste (8%), salty taste (5%), sour taste (4%), sweet taste (5%), and the presence of a metallic taste (10%), as well as other descriptions provided by a write in response (81%). Zinc sulfate did not favorably affect the interval to taste recovery., Conclusion: Zinc sulfate, as prescribed in this trial, did not prevent taste alterations in cancer patients who were undergoing RT to the oral pharynx.

Olfactory and gustatory impairments are observed with aging and with HIV infection. Thus, the synergistic effects of aging with HIV infection on olfactory and gustatory declines may be profound. Such declines can jeopardize several areas for an older adult living with HIV such as safety, appetite and malnutrition, cognition, mood, and quality of life. Potential interventions that need to be investigated include hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, medical assessment, and compensation strategies. Nurses are the primary providers of care and education to address sensory alterations of those who have HIV and those who are aging.

Taste alterations are common in patients with cancer, and can be the result of the disease itself and/or its treatment(s). Specifically, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to the head and neck area have been shown to induce significant taste changes. Alterations in taste are distressing for patients and can lead to food aversions, a reduction in food intake and nutritional deficits. Ultimately, this can lead to weight loss and, in severe cases, malnutrition, which has been associated with poor patient outcomes, including a negative effect on survival. Dietary counselling and advice tailored to the individual can improve nutritional status, and several effective strategies are available to accommodate taste changes and increase nutritional intake. Oral supplements may provide additional nutritional support when dietary intake is insufficient. The success of supplementation depends, however, on the product acceptability and on patient compliance over the long term. Patient compliance is linked to perceived supplement taste, which may be affected by a variety of taste changes reported by patients both before and after therapy, or as a consequence of disease progression. Supplements which offer a variety of flavours are likely to prove beneficial by helping to prevent taste fatigue. In addition, individuals appear to exhibit distinct preferences for particular flavours at different time points during treatment.

It is well known that there are various adverse effects during chemotherapy for cancer treatment. A taste disorder is also seen in 35-70% of patients. It has been reported that a zinc deficiency is associated with the development of these alterations in taste sensation. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether the zinc including infusion had the effect on taste disorder in patients with lung cancer. Taste disorder was evaluated as the increase in electrical taste thresholds using an electrogustometer. The plasma zinc concentration was also measured. Although there was no significant correlation, the increase in taste thresholds was detected in many patients who had a low zinc concentration even before receiving chemotherapy. Moreover, after 2 weeks of chemotherapy, almost all patients who did not have a zinc containing infusion showed development of taste disorder (5/5, 100% at chorda tympani area; 4/5, 80% at glossopharyngeal area), whereas no development of taste disorder was observed in those patients receiving a zinc containing infusion. These results suggest the possibility that the administration of zinc during chemotherapy could be a useful supportive therapy for preventing taste disorder and to help maintain a better quality of life.

Objectives: Several studies show that probiotics may prevent side effects during therapy against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Other reports indicate competitive interaction between some probiotics and H. pylori. We compared efficacy of two different probiotics and one probiotic combination with placebo for preventing anti-H. pylori therapy-related side effects and for improving the eradication rate., Methods: A total of 85 H. pylori positive, asymptomatic patients were randomized in four groups to receive probiotic or placebo both during and for 7 days after a 1-wk triple therapy scheme (rabeprazole 20 mg b.id., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., and tinidazole 500 mg b.i.d.). Group I (n = 21) received Lactobacillus GG; group II (n = 22), Saccharomyces boulardii; group III (n = 21), a combination of Lactobacillus spp. and biphidobacteria; and group IV (n = 21), placebo. Subjects filled in weekly symptom questionnaires for 4 wk. Blinded investigators collected and analyzed data. H. pylori status was rechecked after 5-7 wk., Results: Side effects occurred mainly during the eradication week. None of them caused therapy discontinuation. In all probiotic-supplemented groups, there was a significantly lower incidence of diarrhea and taste disturbance during the eradication week with respect to the placebo group. Overall assessment of tolerability was significantly better in the actively treated patients than in the placebo group. No differences in the incidence of side effects between the probiotic groups were observed. The H. pylori eradication rate was almost identical between the probiotic and placebo groups., Conclusions: All the probiotics used were superior to placebo for side effect prevention, but were not associated with better compliance with antibiotic therapy. The effect of probiotic supplementation on side effects during anti-H. pylori regimens seemed to be independent of the probiotic species used.

Background: One-week triple therapy is currently regarded as the reference of anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment. However, antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal side effects are among the major pitfalls of such regimens. Probiotic supplementation may be regarded as a therapeutic tool to prevent or reduce these troublesome drug-related manifestations., Aim: To determine whether the addition of the probiotic Lactobacillus GG to an anti-H. pylori standard triple therapy could help to prevent or minimize the occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects., Methods: One hundred and twenty healthy asymptomatic subjects screened positive for H. pylori infection and deciding to receive eradication therapy were randomized either to 1-week pantoprazole (40 mg b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.), tinidazole (500 mg b.i.d.) or to the same regimen supplemented with Lactobacillus GG for 14 days. Patients filled in validated questionnaires during follow-up to determine the type and severity of side effects and to judge overall tolerability., Results: Bloating, diarrhea and taste disturbances were the most frequent side effects during the eradication week and were significantly reduced in the Lactobacillus GG-supplemented group (RR = 0.4, CI 0.2-0.8; RR = 0.3, CI 0.1-0.8; RR = 0.3, CI 0.1-0.7, respectively). The same pattern was observed throughout the follow-up period. Overall assessment of treatment tolerability showed a significant trend in favor of the Lactobacillus GG-supplemented group (p = 0.03)., Conclusions: Lactobacillus GG supplementation beneficially affects H. pylori therapy-related side effects and overall treatment tolerance., (Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel)

Objectives: To provide assessment guidelines and management strategies for symptoms affecting nutritional status in patients with cancer., Data Sources: Published articles, book chapters, and research reports., Conclusions: Patients with cancer experience a variety of symptoms that affect their nutritional status. It is possible to reduce the impact of these symptoms on the nutritional status of the patient through effective symptom management strategies, nutritional assessments, and interventions., Implications for Nursing Practice: The nutritional status of cancer patients can be supported by anticipating and managing disease- and treatment-related symptoms. Nurses contribute actively to the achievement of positive patient outcomes when they manage symptoms in a manner that enhances nutrition.

Background: In uncontrolled clinical trials, the administration of oral zinc sulfate has been reported both to prevent and correct taste abnormalities in cancer patients receiving external radiotherapy (ERT) to the head and neck region., Methods: Eighteen patients were randomized to receive either zinc sulfate tablets (a dose of 45 mg) or placebo tablets three times a day at the onset of subjective perception of taste alterations during the course of ERT and up to 1 month after ERT termination. Taste acuity was determined by measuring detection and recognition thresholds for four taste qualities. Intolerance of zinc sulfate or placebo administration was investigated, and the oral cavity was examined. All the evaluations were studied prior to, at weekly intervals during, and 1 month after ERT administration., Results: Taste acuity for one or more taste qualities was already impaired before ERT. During ERT treatment, taste alterations were experienced at least once for a minimum of 3 of the 8 measured thresholds by 100% of the patients, and 33.3% of the patients became aware of some alteration within the first week of treatment. The patients treated with placebo experienced a greater worsening of taste acuity during ERT treatment compared with those treated with zinc sulfate. One month after ERT was terminated, the patients receiving zinc sulfate had a quicker recovery of taste acuity than those receiving placebo. Statistically significant differences between the two groups emerged for urea detection and sodium chloride recognition thresholds during ERT treatment and for sodium chloride, saccharose, and hydrogen chloride recognition thresholds after the termination of ERT treatment., Conclusions: This pharmacologic therapy is effective and well tolerated; it could become a routine in clinical practice to improve the supportive care of patients with taste alterations resulting from head and neck cancer.

In this pilot study the authors set out to: (a) describe the incidence of taste changes associated with intravenous (i.v.) pentamidine treatment; and (b) determine the factors that are related to making the taste changes better and worse. A convenience sample (N = 18) of adult male outpatients with AIDS participated in this study. One hundred percent of the participants experienced an unpleasant taste after the administration of pentamidine. The largest percentage of patients had a metallic taste (89%, n = 16); while 67% (n = 12) experienced a bitter taste. These data suggest that healthcare providers need to assess for the unpleasant taste associated with i.v. pentamidine and develop appropriate management strategies.

The 5-HT3 receptor antagonists zacopride and GR38032F are highly effective inhibitors of emesis induced by ionizing radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin. The present study evaluated zacopride and GR38032F for efficacy in inhibiting the formation of the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) induced by cisplatin or lithium chloride in rats. The glucocorticoid dexamethasone, which has been reported to be effective against both the emetic and CTA-inducing effects of cisplatin, was included as a reference compound. When administered alone by i.p. injection, zacopride (0.1-10 mg/kg), GR38032F (10 mg/kg) and cisplatin (0.32-1.8 mg/kg) induced a CTA to an 0.1% saccharin solution; lower doses of each compound were ineffective. When administered as a pretreatment, neither zacopride (0.001-0.1 mg/kg) nor GR38032F (0.01-10 mg/kg) attenuated the CTA induced by cisplatin (0.32 and 0.56 mg/kg) or lithium chloride (10 mg/kg). In contrast, dexamethasone (0.32 and 1.0 mg/kg) attenuated the CTA induced by 0.32 but not 0.56 mg/kg of cisplatin. In an attempt to evaluate higher doses of zacopride against cisplatin without the potentially confounding factor that these doses by themselves induce a CTA, rats were injected with zacopride on three separate days prior to the aversion conditioning session. This pre-exposure treatment blocked the formation of the zacopride-induced CTA, but did not improve the efficacy of zacopride in attenuating the cisplatin-induced CTA. These results suggest that neither the cisplatin- nor the lithium-induced CTA in rats are due to effects that are sensitive to 5-HT3 receptor blockade.