Enhancement of optokinetic responses by lateral hypothalamic areas associated with attack in cats.

Stimulation of lateral hypothalamic sites associated with predatory attack and known to modify trigeminal reflex systems enhanced efficiency of visual following over a wide range of target velocities. Furthermore, lateral hypothalamic stimulation reversed reflex habituation seen after continuous and after repeated optokinetic stimulation. These findings support the hypothesis that the lateral hypothalamus directs behavioral responses relevant to orienting to and capturing prey, at least in part, by regulation of reflex mechanisms in different sensory modalities. Possible neural substrates for the observed effects are discussed.