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Functional development of prefrontal cortex in rats continues into adolescence
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 23, 1976
Summary
Bilateral removal of the sulcal prefrontal cortex in adult rats causes inability to eat or drink. However, this surgery in young rats does not impact food or water regulation, indicating ongoing development of this brain region's function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- The sulcal prefrontal cortex is implicated in regulating feeding and drinking behaviors.
- The developmental trajectory of this neocortical region's function is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the sulcal prefrontal cortex in food and water regulation.
- To determine the critical developmental period for the sulcal prefrontal cortex's influence on feeding and drinking.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral removal (lesions) of the sulcal prefrontal cortex in rats at different ages (before and after 60 days).
- Observation and assessment of food intake and water consumption post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Rats undergoing surgery at 60 days of age or older exhibited aphagia (inability to eat) and adipsia (inability to drink).
- Rats undergoing surgery before 60 days of age showed no significant deficits in food or water regulation.
Conclusions:
- The sulcal prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in regulating feeding and drinking behaviors in adult rats.
- The functional development of the sulcal prefrontal cortex's role in ingestive behaviors continues past weaning in rats.