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Lesions of the subfornical organ decrease the calcium appetite of calcium-deprived rats.
Stuart A McCaughey1, Douglas A Fitts, Michael G Tordoff
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3308, USA. mccaughey@monell.org
Physiology & Behavior
|September 5, 2003
Summary
The subfornical organ (SFO) regulates calcium appetite during deprivation. Lesions to the SFO or its stalk reduced calcium intake in deprived rats, indicating its crucial role in calcium homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Neurons in the rat's subfornical organ (SFO) show sensitivity to internal calcium levels.
- The SFO is implicated in fluid and electrolyte balance, including calcium regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the subfornical organ (SFO) in regulating calcium intake.
- To determine if the SFO is involved in calcium appetite during states of calcium deprivation.
Main Methods:
- Rats with selective SFO lesions, rostroventral stalk disconnection, or sham procedures were used.
- Calcium chloride (30 mM CaCl2) consumption was measured in calcium-replete and calcium-deprived conditions.
Main Results:
- In calcium-replete rats, all lesion groups showed similar CaCl2 intake.
- Calcium-deprived rats with SFO lesions or rostroventral stalk disconnection consumed significantly less CaCl2.
- Rats with misplaced lesions or sham procedures did not show reduced CaCl2 intake when deprived.
Conclusions:
- The subfornical organ (SFO) plays a significant role in mediating calcium appetite during calcium deprivation in rats.
- This function is likely mediated through the SFO's rostroventral efferents.
- The SFO is not essential for calcium intake when there is no physiological need.