A role for amine accumulation in the syndrome of ingestive deficits following lateral hypothalamic lesions.

Lesions of the lateral hypothalamus produce ascending catecholamine neuron degeneration which results in terminal depletion and proximal accumulation above the lesions. The occurrence of deficits in ingestive behaviour has been attributed traditionally to the loss of functional dopamine neurotransmitter in the terminal fields. However, release of functional amines may occur in the lateral hypothalamus at areas of accumulation, to produce at least some of the behavioural symptoms characterizing the lateral hypothalamic syndrome. Recovery from behavioural deficits as a result of various pharmacological treatments, after dopamine-depleting lesions, may be mediated by changes in amine release or modified sensitivity of receptors affected by released amines. We conclude that amine accumulation should be considered when interpreting experiments implicating central catecholamine systems in the control of consumatory behaviour and the regulation of body weight.