Drinking behavior following electrical stimulation of the subfornical organ in the rat

Electrical stimulation of the subfornical organ (SFO) through implanted stainless-steel electrodes produced drinking in water-sated rats. Drinking was elicited primarily during the interstimulation (OFF) periods. Water intake in rats with hippocampal electrode placements occurred during both ON and OFF periods at current intensities (24-100 microA) similar to rats with SFO placements. These findings support the hypothesis that the SFO is involved in the central control of fluid balance.