Computer-assisted analysis of behavior-brain damage relationships.
Experimental destruction of subcortical brain tissue by electrolytic, radio frequency, or excitotoxin lesions is commonly used in the study of the neural control of behavior. Relating variability in the locus and extent of brain damage to lesion-produced variability in behavior is essential to a complete analysis of the behavioral effects of brain damage. We describe the use of commercially available computer accessories and software for measuring the area of irregular polygons to accurately and rapidly estimate the amount of damage to any of a number of brain structures included within an area of experimental destruction. We then describe the use of statistical programs for correlation and multiple regression in calculating relationships between damage to particular structures and behavior. As an example, we show that excitotoxin (and presumably axon-sparing) lesions of lateral hypothalamic tissue adjacent to the caudal zona incerta virtually eliminate male sexual behavior in rats. The use of multiple regression analysis, in conjunction with procedures for calculating destruction to different brain regions, provides a way of correlating brain damage and behavior that has widespread application in studies of the behavioral effects of brain lesions.
Edwards
D A
DA
Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Maillard
C A
CA
D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003307:Copulation / Q000502:physiology; D007026:Hypothalamic Area, Lateral / Q000502:physiology*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D012984:Software; D013681:Tegmentum Mesencephali / Q000502:physiology*; D013787:Thalamic Nuclei / Q000502:physiology*