Abstract
To investigate the relationship between the thermoregulatory system and the brain-reward system, we examined effects of heat exposure and tail amputation on lever-pressing behavior in intracranial self-stimulating rats. Rats that continuously pressed a lever voluntarily for 1 hour at an ambient temperature (T a) of 22°C interrupted lever pressing and showed heat loss behaviors, such as grooming and body extension, at a T a of 36°C. Hypothalamic temperature (T hy) at the time of the first body extension was higher than that after 1 hour of lever-pressing at a T a of 22°C. Tail amputation experiments showed the same result. T hy at the onset of the body extension after tail amputation was higher than that at the end of 1 hour of lever-pressing under control conditions. The data suggest that thermal factors, especially T hy, are important in the control of lever-pressing behavior.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
