Hypothalamic Lesions by Electrocauterization: Disinhibition of Feeding and Self-Stimulation

Contrary to a recent report, destruction of the medial hypothalamus by electrocauterization with radio-frequency current consistently produced overeating and obesity in rats. This confirms the earlier consensus that destruction in the region of the ventromedial hypothalamus releases feeding from normal inhibition. In addition to augmenting feeding, the same lesions increased the rate of lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation after food satiation had depressed it. Thus the medial hypothalamus, when intact, inhibits both feeding and lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation.