[Beta-lipotropin and beta-endorphin in compensation mechanisms of function after damage of the lateral hypothalamus]

Possibility of restoration of food intake and other related functions impaired after lesion of lateral hypothalamus was studied on 45 male albino non-strain rats divided into 3 groups with 15 per each. Neuropeptides beta-lipotropin (beta-LPT) and its derivative beta-endorphin were used as compensation factors. The parameters recorded were: volume of food and water intake, diuresis, body weight and temperature, frequencies of rest periods, comforting forms of behavior and orienting-exploratory activity. The results revealed that lesion of lateral hypothalamus resulted in the formation of specific central and peripheral syndrome responsible for the impairment of food intake and other related functions. Intracerebroventricular injections of beta-LPT and beta-endorphin facilitated compensation of impaired functions caused by lesion of lateral hypothalamus. The data were analyzed on the basis of the systems approach to the organism's physiological functions.