Self‐stimulation in the rabbit: An anatomical map of stimulation effects

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Abstract
An anatomical map of brain stimulation effects in rabbits, based on lever pressing and observational data, revealed close correspondence to the findings from other species, particularly rats. Strongest self‐stimulation was obtained from the posterolateral hypothalamus, fornix, and rostral tegmentum. Rhinencephalic placements occasionally yeilded mild self‐stimulation, but more frequently gave negative or ambiguous effects. Negative effects were obtained in the medial hypothalamus and reticular formation, while caudate nucleus stimulation appeared emotionally neutral. Also in agreement with earlier findings, EEG seizures did not accompany self‐stimulation of the posterolateral hypothalamic area, but did often accompany self‐stimulation of rhinencephalic structures. As in cats, hippocampal θ synchronization was observed to accompany approach behavior, while desynchronization accompanied withdrawal and freezing.