Hypothalamic Potentials in the Female Rat Evoked by Hormones and by Vaginal Stimulation

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Abstract
DC (direct current) EEG (electroencephalogram) frequencies were recorded via AgAgCl electrodes in several hypothalamic regions of acutely prepared rats, maintained by artificial respiration under succinylcholine. Effects of intravenous estrogen combined with vaginal stimulation were noted on rate of DC polarity reversal, on DC amplitude, on low (1 to 5 cps) frequency EEG, and on high (above 5 cps) frequency EEG. Rapid and delayed responses were observed distinctive of stimulation conditions and electrode sites. Posterior hypothalamic areas (PHA) responded to all conditions with increased high frequency components. Anterior hypothalamic areas (AHA) showed immediate increase in low frequency with vaginal stimulation, while mid-hypothalamic areas (MHA) showed decreases. The 3 areas showed distinctive delayed responses.