Convergences on lateral preoptic neurons of internal and external stimuli related to drinking

This work illustrates that both oropharyngo-gastric and systemic stimuli converge on lateral preoptic (LPO) neurons. LPO units were responsive to vascular osmolarity fluctuations and mechanical and hypertonic NaCl stimulation of orogastric regions. These results suggest that complex interactions of various messages take place in the LPO and could induce a peripheral modulation of thirst behavior.