Effects of 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the nucleus accumbens septi and olfactory tubercle on feeding, locomotor activity, and amphetamine anorexia in the rat.

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Abstract
Bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS) and olfactory tubercle (OT) caused enhanced intake of wet mash in 23 h food-deprived rats tested in photocell activity cages during restricted 30 min sessions. This mild hyperphagia was accompanied by a significant hypoactivity in the group with NAS/OT lesions. No hyperphagia was observed during a prolonged 120 min test session or in free-feeding tests conducted in the home cage. Anorexia induced by d-amphetamine (.5 and 1.5 mg/kg) was unaltered by the lesion, although the locomotor stimulant action of the drug was attenuated. The NAS/OT lesion enhanced food intake in the photocell cages during 30-min sessions with dry food pellets but food-associated drinking was concomitantly reduced. The behavioral changes caused by mesolimbic neuron destruction apparently resulted in part from an inability to switch from 1 behavioral activity to another.