Feeding behaviour following substantia nigra and globus pallidus stimulation in chronic cats.

It is known that the lesion of the nigrostriatal and pallidofugal systems causes an experimental condition comparable to the hypothalamic sindrome, with severe aphagia and adipsia. It was considered of interest to study the effects of the low frequency long-duration stimulation of the substantia nigra and the globus pallidus on feeding behaviour. Experiments were performed on eight chronic cats with electrodes implanted in SN (pars compacta) and in the GP (pars externa). In the 2 hours of observation the food intake and the number of food-taking acts were calculated. The stimulation was induced continuously in the former hour. The modification in food intake, also on the basis of somatic behavioural observations may be ascribed to motor impairment rather than to involvement of a motivational state.