EFFECT OF HIPPOCAMPAL STIMULATION ON FEEDING IN RAT

A significant increase in feeding was seen in animals bar pressing for electrical stimulation of the dorso-lateral hippocampus. The effect was less pronounced or absent when the electrode tip was located in other hippocampal areas. Electrical stimulation of the medial cortical region had no effect on feeding behavior. Animals bar pressing for hippocampal stimulation also learned to bar press for food, indicating that hippocampal stimulation produces motivational effects similar to normal hunger. Hippocampal stimulation had no clear effect on drinking, regardless of where the electrode was located in the hippocampus. The feeding occurred immediately after the stimulation, not during the stimulation, which probably indicates that the hippocampus normally inhibits feeding. It was suggested that the feeding was caused by rebound excitation of the lateral hypothalamic area. © 1969.