Effects of polyethylene glycol on water or saline intake in 30- and 50-day-old Mongolian gerbils.

Sixty 30-day-old male and female gerbils and sixty 50-day-old male and female gerbils were injected subcutaneously with either a .9% NaCl vehicle, 10% polyethylene glycol (P.G.), or 30% P.G. and given access to either water or .9% NaCl to drink. The .9% NaCl vehicle and the 10% P.G. injections were ineffective in increasing fluid intake. The Ss in the 30% P.G. injection level showed an increase in intake when saline was offered but did not increase their intake when water was the only solution available. The results are discussed in terms of compensatory mechanisms which subserve osmoregulation.