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Biomedical subjects

W J Mundl

Publications and source records attributed to W J Mundl.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

A computerized system for the continuous recording and analysis of feeding, drinking, diuresis, and locomotor activity.

A system has been designed to study the intake of liquids and solid foods in rats that allows for the analysis of feeding and drinking episodes over time. In addition, it monitors locomotor activity and diuresis. This system is particularly useful for the study of the differential effects of drugs on various parameters of feeding and drinking. Because it allows for the monitoring of all behaviors for periods of 24 consecutive hours without disturbing the animals, it can be applied to the study of light/dark cycles of ingestive behavior. The apparatus consists of rat cages (equipped with photocells, bottles, electronic balances, and a funnel to collect urine), computer interfaces, an AT-compatible microcomputer for data collection, and a VAX system for analysis.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

A microcomputer controlled data acquisition system for research on feeding and drinking behavior in rats.

This paper describes an inexpensive, reliable computer controlled data collection system designed for the continuous monitoring of feeding and drinking behavior in rats. This system will be useful in areas of behavioral pharmacology research requiring a detailed analysis of food and fluid intake. The configuration described herein was developed for research on the "microstructure" of alcohol drinking behavior. Variables examined include: alcohol bout size, frequency and duration, interbout intervals as well as the temporal pattern of intake and its relationship to food and water consumption. Detailed analysis of behavior using this technique will enhance our ability to interpret the nature of changes in alcohol oriented behavior produced by pharmacological manipulations, aid in the development of specific hypotheses related to the regulation of alcohol drinking behavior and provide a means of testing these hypotheses.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Cardiovascular and respiratory responses to electrical stimulation of the midbrain in the rat.

In descending through the midbrains of rats with stimulation electrodes, we have observed some remarkable reversals of pressor and depressor autonomic effects as the electrode was moved from one locus to another. Autonomic effects of stimulating in the midbrain areas that we studied are of special interest because stimulations in some of these midbrain loci have pain-relieving effects (Hosobuchi et al., 1977, 1979; Mayer et al., 1971; Soper, 1976). Our observations of cardiac arrest are of particular concern because of the use that is being made of midbrain electrical stimulation to relieve pain in human patients.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Osmosensitive neurons in the rat's preoptic area: medial-lateral comparison.

For the first time, brain-recording data were brought to bear directly on the question of a critical osmosensitive zone in the lateral preoptic area as specifically delimited in the rat by Blass and Epstein, and in the rabbit by Peck and Novin. Our data clearly showed that this critical zone in the lateral preoptic area of the rat contains cells that are osmosensitive. Simultaneous recording from cell populations (a) inside the critical zone and (b) in a zone medial to it showed that the net acceleratory response to challenge for the former was much greater than it was for the latter. These findings constitute new evidence for the critical importance of the lateral preoptic area in cellular dehydration thirst.

Animals↗