Abstract
Within-subjects temporal analyses of changes in operant behavior maintained by lateral hypothalamic (LH) self-stimulation and food reward were made following bilateral electrolytic destruction of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of conscious female rats. LH self-stimulation rates increased immediately following lesioning; however, 24 h postlesion, responding returned to or below prelesion levels. Responding for food did not increase immediately following VMH destruction, but increments occurred 1½ h postlesion. Responding for food reward over 3 days postlesion remained significantly higher than prelesion control data. Significantly increased food intake and body weights were also present 24 h postlesion. Body weights continued to increase over the 30-day posttesting period. It was concluded that increases in ICS leverpressing following VMH destruction may result from possible analgesic or positive affective properties attributed to ICS and that the delayed increase in food leverpressing reflects the rat’s increased hunger motivation.
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This research was based on a doctoral dissertation submitted to the Department of Psychology, Iowa State University. The author wishes to thank Dr. Ronald H. Peters for his assistance and constructive criticism of the manuscript.
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Sensenig, L.D. Food- and ICS-reinforced operant behavior following VMH lesions in conscious rats. Psychobiology 6, 29–35 (1978). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03326687
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03326687