Validation of tests of completeness of vagotomy in rats

In recent years there has been renewed interest in the role of the gastrointestinal tract and the abdominal organs in regulating body energy balance. In an attempt to characterize vagal influence, vagotomy has been utilized as a routine manipulation. Recent anatomical findings, behavioral observations and physiological data have led to a re-examination of the validity of the tests usually performed to assess completeness of the operation. In this review, a comprehensive profile of the vagotomized rat is drawn, standard indices are described and discussed and finally, new tests are suggested. It is concluded that, for most of the studies, a set of well-chosen criteria is necessary to ascertain the success of the surgery.