Septal lesions in meadow voles and mongolian gerbils: consummatory and investigatory behavior

In order to separate species specific from general effects of septal lesions on consummatory and investigatory behavior we chose to work with male Mongolian gerbils and meadow voles. These two rodent species are different in both the absolute amount of fluids consumed and reactivity to the palatability of the fluids presented in a single tube. Septal lesions did not elevate water consumption of either species. Septal lesioned gerbils tended to consume more sucrose, and septal voles clearly did drink more sucrose than their control counterparts. But only lesioned voles suppressed intake below control levels when presented with quinine. Exploratory behavior, which was measured only in gerbils, was also altered by septal lesions. Measurement of testosterone, seminal vesicles, and ventral marking glands (gerbils only) indicated that septal lesions alter hormonal systems in at least this species. The importance of comparative investigations in elucidating the general function of brain structures was discussed.