Self-stimulation in the brain stem after ipsilateral precollicular decerebration.

Rats were tested for self-stimulation after unilateral removal of the entire forebrain anterior to the superior colliculus. The stimulating electrodes were situated in the peribrachial region, just lateral to the superior cerebellar peduncle. Of 27 animals tested, 8 still self-stimulated after ipsilateral decerebration. Self-stimulation was exhibited from as early as a few hours to as long as 119 days after decerebration. The results are discussed in the context of the search for neural elements that subserve reinforcing brain stimulation.