ABSTRACT
Currently, P-endorphin content provides a sensitive method for assessing MSG-induced dam age to the hypothalamus. However, there are few noninvasive behavioral procedures of similar sensitivity for determining the presence of a MSG lesion. Neonatal administration of MSG is known to damage areas containing All receptors and hypothesized to mediate All-induced drinking responses. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to determine whether MSG-induced damage could be assessed by monitoring drinking responses after administration of AIL We also intended to utilize the selective lesioning properties of MSG to better characterize the role of the CVOs in All-mediated drinking responses. Specifically, we hypothesized that All would be an ineffective dipsogen in the MSG-lesioned rat.
