The hypothalamus and protein metabolism in rats

Using the technique of mechanical isolation of the medial hypothalamus from the rest of the CNS, it has been concluded--based on total serum protein content, protein fractions as well as total serum amino acids--that under resting conditions the hypothalamic influence upon protein metabolism is achieved through the control exerted upon endocrine system rather than by a direct neural mechanism. The authors' results show that aminoacidemia is not a determining factor in feeding behaviour.