Interactions of amygdala lesions with effects of pilocarpine and d-amphetamine on mouse killing, feeding, and drinking in rats

Repeated injections of 7.5 mg/kg pilocarpine induced mouse killing in both amygdala-lesioned and sham-operated rats, but more injections were required in the lesioned animals. Killing was evoked least readily in rats that showed substantial weight loss after surgery and that had damage to more medial regions of the amygdala. d-Amphetamine (.75, 1.50, or 3.00 mg/kg), administered either before or after a killing test, inhibited pilocarpine-induced killing in both surgical groups. Amygdala lesions attenuated pilocarpine-facilitated drinking in sated animals but did not alter the inhibitory effects of either pilocarpine or d-amphetamine on feeding or drinking.