[Direct current self stimulation in rats].

In experiments on 16 male albino rats a phenomenon of self-stimulation of the hypothalamic structures has been produced by a DC anode and cathode, with 20 to 100 microamperes intensity. DC self-stimulation consists in regular succession of approaching the pedal, staying on the pedal and leaving it, i. e. a succession of states of motivational drive, reinforcement and avoidance. In a number of cases the conditioned reflex of self-stimulation is not extinguished for two to three days after switching off the current.