Effect of atropine injection into the medial septal area on food-associated drinking

The effect of atropine injection into the medial septal area (MSA) or medial preoptic area (MPOA) on carbachol-induced drinking was evaluated in conscious unrestrained rats during a food-associated drinking test reinforced by 14 h of food deprivation. Atropine did not alter food intake when injected into either area, nor did it affect drinking after its injection into the MPOA. However, atropine markedly reduced water intake after its injection into the MSA. These results suggest that the central cholinergic system in the MSA can participate in the regulation of food-associated drinking