Effects of ventromedial hypothalamic lesions on circadian rhythms in serum insulin, glucose, triglyceride and food intake in rats.

The effects of ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesions on the circadian periodicity of serum insulin, glucose, triglyceride and food intake were studied in rats. The rhythms of serum insulin, glucose and triglyceride did not persist in VMH lesioned rats. The glucose level during the light period was reduced. The triglyceride and insulin levels were elevated. The VMH lesions markedly increased food intake during the later half part of the light cycle but kept it significantly less during the first half part. Thus, the VMH lesions abolished the circadian rhythmicity of serum insulin, glucose and triglyceride and attenuated the rhythmicity of eating through increase in daytime consumption.