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Schedule-induced polydipsia in rats: adrenocortical and hippocampal modulation
Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology
|August 1, 1978
Summary
Schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) onset is linked to adrenal gland weight and hippocampus function. Manipulations affecting the adrenal cortex and hippocampus influenced SIP, suggesting their interaction in regulating this behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Endocrinology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) is a behavior observed in rats under specific conditions.
- The role of the adrenal gland and hippocampus in SIP is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between adrenal gland function, hippocampal integrity, and the onset of schedule-induced polydipsia.
- To explore the interaction between the hippocampus and the adrenal cortex in regulating adjunctive behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Surgical manipulations including adrenalectomy, adrenal demedullation, and hippocampal lesions were performed on rats.
- Exogenous corticosterone administration was used to assess its effect on SIP.
- Drinking behavior in both SIP conditions and home-cage settings was monitored.
Main Results:
- Adrenalectomy, but not demedullation, accelerated the emergence of SIP.
- Exogenous corticosterone administration showed a tendency to reverse the effects of adrenalectomy on SIP.
- Hippocampal lesions led to a rapid and uniform onset of SIP.
- None of the surgical manipulations affected normal home-cage drinking behavior.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a significant interaction between the hippocampus and the adrenal cortex in the regulation of schedule-induced polydipsia.
- The balance within the hippocampus-adrenal cortex system appears to be a critical determinant of individual differences in adjunctive behavior.