There are receptors for neurotensin in the caudate nucleus and posterior hypothalamus.

It was established in chronic experiments on dogs that the introduction of neurotensin in a dose of 3 or 10 micrograms in 1.5 microliters into the caudate nucleus changes the parameters of the conditioned and unconditioned food reflexes: a 31% shortening of the latent period and a 56% increase in the magnitude of the reflex. Microapplication of neurotensin in the same doses in the posterior region of the hypothalamus enhanced the secretory function of the gland caused by the introduction of histamine. It was concluded that the caudate nucleus and hypothalamus contain cells possessing receptors for neurotensin, which participate in mechanisms of formation of the conditioned reflex and central influence on the organs of the digestive system.