Ventromedial hypothalamic lesions without hyperphagia

Abstract

Radio-frequency current and electrolysis were used to place ventromedial hypothalamic lesions in rats. In general, the two types of lesions differed in their effects on weight gain, water intake, and emotionality. In particular, radio-frequency destruction failed to produce the hypothalamic hyperphagia which follows electrolytic lesions. It is suggested that the symptoms of hyperphagia resulting from electrolytic lesions are irritant effects produced by electrochemical metallic deposition rather than the result of simple tissue elimination.