Early changes in gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis following destruction of the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei.

Young male rats were injected with tritiated water 6 hr after destruction of the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMN). One hour later they were sacrificed and the incorporation of tritium into liver and carcass lipids, proteins, and glycogen and into plasma glucose and proteins was measured. It was found that lesioned rats showed increased incorporation into carcass and liver lipid, liver and plasma protein and plasma glucose. Conclusions are that the processes of lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis are accelerated within 6 hr after VMN destruction.