Abstract
Rats with electrodes implanted in the lateral hypothalamus had a choice of lever pressing for water or brain stimulation. Lever preference varied depending on stimulation intensity and degree of water deprivation. With lower current levels the animals responded normally to the lack of water and selected the water lever. However, when higher intensities were used they chose the brain stimulation lever and did not satisfy their water requirements even after 71 hr. of water deprivation.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
De Groot, J. The rat fore brain in stereotaxic coordinates. Amsterdam: N-V Noord-Hollandsche Vitgevers Moatsckopy, 1959.
Falk, J. L. Septal stimulation as a reinforcer of, and an alternative to, consummatory behavior. J. exp. Anal. Behav., 1961, 4, 213–217.
Hamilton, C. L. Control of food intake. In W. S. Yamamoto, & J. R. Brobeck (Eds.), Physiological controls and regulations. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1965. Pp. 274–294.
Mogenson, G. J., & Stevenson, J. A. F. Drinking and self-stimulation with electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus. Physiol. & Behavior, 1966, 1, 251–254.
Olds, J. Self-stimulation of the brain. Science, 1958, 127, 315–324.
Routtenberg, A., & Lindy, J. Effects of availability of rewarding septal and hypothalamic stimulation on bar pressing for food under conditions of deprivation. J. comp. physiol. Psychol., 1965, 60, 158–161.
Spies, G. Pood versus intracranial self-stimulation reinforcement in food-deprived rats. J. comp. physiol. Psychol., 1965, 60, 153–157.
Stevenson, J. A. F. Control of water exchange: regulation of content and concentration of water in the body. In W. S. Yamamoto, & J. R. Brobeck (Eds.), Physiological controls and regulations. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1965, Pp. 253–273.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Notes
1. Supported by the National Research Council of Canada and the Medical Research Council of Canada.
2. The interest and critical suggestions of Dr. J. A. F. Stevenson are gratefully acknowledged.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Morgan, C.W., Mogenson, G.J. Preference of water-deprived rats for stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus rather than water. Psychon Sci 6, 337–338 (1966). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03330925
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03330925