Plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid levels during electrical stimulation of the amygdaloid complex in conscious monkeys

Abstract

Substantial plasma 17-OH-CS elevations invariably occurred during electrical stimulation of the amygdaloid complex in unanesthetized rhesus monkeys through chronically implanted electrodes. No evidence of localization of this effect within anatomical subdivisions of the amygdaloid complex was observed. Stimulation of the amygdala elicited plasma 17-OH-CS elevations (20 µg %/hr.) equal to those occurring with hypothalamic stimulation or injection of a large dose of ACTH (16 mg/kg), while no elevations were observed during putamen stimulation or under normal conditions.