The role of the lateral septum in anxiolysis

Behavior of rats in the water-lick conflict test was examined during stimulation, and after lesions of the lateral septal nucleus. Continuous low-current stimulation resulted in an anxiolytic effect, an increase in the number of licks, and hence in the number of shocks, during a signaled, punished period. This effect is similar to the one seen with peripheral administration of benzodiazepine and other anxiolytic agents. Rewarding medial forebrain stimulation did not have this effect. Conversely, septal lesions resulted in an anxiogenic effect, a significant decrease in the number of licks during the punished period. Lesions had this effect when the conflict behavior was already well established. Septal lesions performed before acquisition of the conflict behavior resulted in initial retardation of acquisition. The results suggest an important role for the lateral septum in the inhibition of anxiety and in the acquisition of behaviors reinforced by alleviation of anxiety.