Cortical and subcortical structures mediating a visual conditioned response motivated by thirst.

Abstract

Thirsty rats were preoperatively trained in a shuttle-box situation to surmount a hurdle at the onset of light to obtain water. Bilateral lesions destroying either the occipital cortex, hippocampus, septum, pretectum, tectum, or medial thalamus failed to impair retention. Frontal cortical ablation or complete destruction of the lateral geniculate bodies significantly disturbed relearning of the habit. These results were compared with those obtained in an avoidance conditioning situation.