Effects of pimozide on sucrose consumption and preference.

The effects of pimozide on sucrose intake were examined, in a two-bottle preference test (sucrose versus water), and in single-bottle tests at five different sucrose concentrations. In the two-bottle test, pimozide dose dependently decreased sucrose intake but increased water intake. In the single-bottle test pimozide decreased sucrose intake at low concentrations but had no effect at high concentrations. The results support a role for dopamine in mediating the rewarding effect of sucrose.