Feeding produced in the satiated rat by elevating the concentration of calcium in the brain

When the concentration of calcium ions in the cerebral ventricles is elevated, a fully satiated rat eats voraciously. This feeding response is not prevented by prior intraventricular administration of alpha-or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or other pharmacological antagonists. This supports the concept of an independent ionic mechanism, rather than a neurotransmitter one, for modulating a "set-point" for weight or hunger.