The CS-US interval and taste aversion learning: a brief look.

Temporal parameters of taste aversion learning are known to differ markedly from other learning paradigms in that acquisition occurs despite lengthy delays between exposure to conditioned (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US). Far less consideration has been paid to very brief CS-US intervals and the possibility that this learning may also be distinguished by an ineffectiveness of close temporal contiguity between CS and US. The effectiveness of a very brief CS-US interval (10 s) was compared with that of 2 lengthier intervals (15 and 30 min). Temporal control of CS delivery (0.15% saccharin solution) into the oral cavity and US delivery (7.5 mg/kg apomorphine hydrochloride) into circulation involved infusion pumps and indwelling catheters. Using a 1-trial learning paradigm, CS-US delays of 15 and 30 min led to significant aversions whereas the 10-s CS-US interval did not, suggesting that close temporal contiguity between CS and US is neither necessary nor sufficient for conditioned taste aversion acquisition.