Abstract
We examined the effect of unilateral chemical lesion of the red nucleus (RN) on feeding and drinking behavior in rats. Daily food and water intake were recorded, commencing 5 days prior to surgery. Daily food intake was assessed by subtraction of the number of spillage of pellets, from the number of ingestion of pellets for 24 h using a food intake monitor. Daily water intake was assessed by counts of drops of water for 24 h using a drink sensor. Kainic acid (0.1 μl, lesion group) or phosphate-buffered saline (0.1 μl, control group) was injected into the left RN. The number of ingestion of a pellet and a drop of water were counted for 24 h over the first 10 days after surgery. There was no significant difference in the mean body weight between the lesion and control groups, or in the mean number of ingestion of pellets or in the mean number of spillage of pellets or in the mean number of drops of water before surgery. Lesion group was a significantly loss in body weight at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 days after surgery. The mean number of ingestion of pellets of lesion group was significantly decreased at 1 and 2 days after surgery. The mean number of spillage of pellets of lesion group was significantly increased at 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 days after surgery. The mean number of drops of water of lesion group was significantly decreased at 1 day after surgery. These results suggest that the RN is involved in the control of feeding behavior. [J Physiol Sci. 2008;58 Suppl:S92]
