Localization of Lesions in the Lateral Hypothalamus of Rats With Induced Adipsia and Aphagia

Abstract

A detailed examination was made of the areas damaged in animals exhibiting aphagia and adipsia following electrolytic lesions placed in the lateral hypothalamic and sub-thalamic areas with the use of a stereotaxic instrument. This study strongly suggests that the median forebrain bundle may be as important as the lateral area proper in the control of food and water intake. A similar conclusion is also suggested by the localization of areas of destruction in the midbrain of animals showing prolonged aphagia and adipsia following a ‘sham operation’ involving placement of needle electrodes without passage of current.