Normalization of the stress-induced cardiac rhythm disturbances by activation of the positive emotiogenic area of the lateral hypothalamus in the rabbit.

Results of experiments indicated, that activation of the positive emotiogenic areas of the lateral hypothalamus abolished what may be considered emotionally induced cardiovascular disturbances. The by immobilization and hypothalamic defence area stimulation provoked increase of blood pressure and heart rate returned to control values, the giant T waves of ECG and dysrhythmias if present disappeared. The morphological abnormalities in the subcellular structures of the myocardium due to prolonged stress stimulation, could not be annulled by the evoked positive emotions. On the other hand the activation of the positive emotiogenic area of the hypothalamus preceded and overlapped with that of the defence area and immobilization, it prevented the functional as well as morphological cardiovascular changes.