Hypothalamic self-stimulation and operant activity in the mottled mutant mouse.

Some behavioural effects of the mottled mutation were studied in the variegated heterozygote female. In mutants, compared to normals, operant activity was increased, whereas hypothalamic self-stimulation was always decreased. These results are discussed relative to the excepted central catecholaminergic disturbances resulting from the mutant gene.