Influence of Adrenal Steroids on Self-Stimulation Rates in Rats.

Abstract

Self-stimulation rates in rats were altered 2 to 24 hours after a single subcutaneous injection of steroid in doses reported to inhibit acute release of ACTH. Dexamethasone exerted more profound effects than hydrocortisone. Self-stimulation rates were consistently increased in rats stimulating to electrodes in the LHA and/or MFB. Bilateral adrenalectomy produced increased rates of self-stimulation by the 5th postoperative week.