INCREASED SPONTANEOUS ACTIVITY AND FOOD INTAKE PRODUCED IN RATS BY REMOVAL OF THE FRONTAL POLES OF THE BRAIN

Abstract

The removal (both unilateral and bilateral) of the frontal poles of the brain (the cortex and the tip of the striatum) showed behavioral symptoms in rats, similar to those observed in the human manic psychotic. These symptoms included extreme hyperactivity (measured by activity drums and cyclometers), irritability, savageness, and hyper-sexual activity. The operation may have removed certain inhibitory influences, possibly similar to inhibitory influences sometimes lost during certain mental disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)