Possible mechanism for the effect of anorexic agents on feeding and hoarding behaviour in rats

Amphetamine, fenfluramine, and chlorphentermine were tested for their effect on feeding and hoarding activity in rats, and the results interpreted according to a hypothalamic model for the regulation of motivated behaviour. All three compounds inhibited both feeding and hoarding, and the degree of inhibition was dose-dependent. Since feeding and hoarding are both influenced by activity in the lateral hypothalamus while feeding alone is modified by ventromedial hypothalamic activity, the result is consistent with a direct (inhibitory) action of the drugs on the lateral hypothalamus, rather than on the ventromedial region.