Comparison of the effect of lesions of ventromedial hypothalamus and posterodorsal amygdala on body weight and immunological parameters in albino Wistar rats

Abstract

Background and Aim: Although hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic areas are known to influence food intake (FI), body weight (BW) and immunity, the exact nature and magnitude of alteration following lesion of these areas have not adequately studied. Therefore, the present study was aimed at comparing the effect of lesions of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and posterodorsal amygdala (PDA) on FI, BW gain and immunological parameters in albino Wistar rats. Methods: A total of 48 albino Wistar rats were taken for the study and were divided equally into VMH group and PDA group with 12 control and 12 experimental rats in each. Bilateral electrolytic lesion of the respective nuclei was performed by stereotaxy. The pre- and post-lesion parameters of both groups were compared. Results: The percentage increase in FI and BW gain was significantly less ( P P P P Conclusion: The above-mentioned findings suggest that the role of VMH on feeding is more pronounced than PDA, indicating that VMH has a stronger regulation of adiposity than PDA. Though VMH and PDA are involved in the regulation of immune functions, VMH has a stronger control over immune functions than PDA. Hence, VMH has greater control over adiposity, feeding behavior, and immune functions than PDA.