Abstract
Changes were measured in the body weight and carcass composition of male rats following either lateral hypothalamic (LH) lesions or castration. Following LH lesions, body weight declined sharply until stabilizing at a reduced level which was then maintained for the remainder of the 167-day observation period. Carcass analysis revealed that this weight adjustment was accomplished principally by a reduction in fat stores. The pattern of weight and composition change following castration differed markedly from that which followed LH lesions. Castration resulted in a decreased rate of weight gain, but no absolute weight loss. The weight difference resulting from this reduced growth rate was reflected primarily by changes in body water and nonfat solids. Some animals received both LH lesion and castration treatments. The combined manipulations produced a weight change which represented the simple additive effects of each independent treatment. Likewise, their combined effects on carcass composition were additive. It was also observed that animals which had been both castrated and lesioned remained as sensitive to the weight promoting effects of testosterone as animals which were castrated but neurally intact. These and other available data indicate that the weight-promoting effects of testosterone occur independently of the hypothalamic systems for weight regulation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
