SELF-STIMULATION OF OLFACTORY BULB

Twelve rats were tested for intra-cranial self-stimulation through electrodes implanted in one olfactory bulb. Parameters for both optimal and threshold stimulation were established in the 7 subjects that displayed self-stimulation. Convulsions which often accompanied self-stimulation of the olfactory bulb were suppressed by subhypnotic doses of sodium phenobarbital and the rate of self-stimulation was increased. It is proposed that self-stimulation may be due to the artificial activation of pathways that normally relay information that leads to positive affect. © 1969.