Evidence for the involvement of dopamine D(1) and D(2) receptors in mediating the decrease of food intake during repeated treatment with amphetamine

A hindbrain dopaminergic neural circuit prevents weight gain by reinforcing food satiation

The neural circuitry mechanism that underlies dopaminergic (DA) control of innate feeding behavior is largely uncharacterized. Here, we identified a subpopulation of DA neurons situated in the caudal ventral tegmental area (cVTA) directly innervating DRD1-expressing neurons within the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN). This neural circuit potently suppresses food intake via enhanced satiation response. Notably, this cohort of DAcVTA neurons is activated immediately before the cessation of each feeding bout. Acute inhibition of these DA neurons before bout termination substantially suppresses satiety and prolongs the consummatory feeding. Activation of postsynaptic DRD1LPBN neurons inhibits feeding, whereas genetic deletion of Drd1 within the LPBN causes robust increase in food intake and subsequent weight gain. Furthermore, the DRD1LPBN signaling manifests the central mechanism in methylphenidate-induced hypophagia. In conclusion, our study illuminates a hindbrain DAergic circuit that controls feeding through dynamic regulation in satiety response and meal structure.

The Appetite Suppressant D-norpseudoephedrine (Cathine) Acts via D1/D2-Like Dopamine Receptors in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell

D-norpseudoephedrine (NPE), also known as cathine, is found naturally in the shrub Catha edulis “Khat.” NPE has been widely used as an appetite suppressant for the treatment of obesity. Although it is known that NPE acts on α1-adrenergic receptors, there is little information about the role of dopamine receptors on NPE’s induced anorectic and weight loss effects. Equally untouched is the question of how NPE modulates neuronal activity in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh), a brain reward center, and a pharmacological target for many appetite suppressants. To do this, in rats, we characterized the pharmacological effects induced by NPE on weight loss, food intake, and locomotion. We also determined the involvement of dopamine D1- and D2-like receptors using systemic and intra-NAcSh antagonists, and finally, we recorded single-unit activity in the NAcSh in freely moving rats. We found that NPE decreased 24-h food intake, induced weight loss, and as side effects increased locomotor activity and wakefulness. Also, intraperitoneal and intra-NAcSh administration of D1 and D2 dopamine antagonists partially reversed NPE’s induced weight loss and food intake suppression. Furthermore, the D1 antagonist, SCH-23390, eliminated NPE-induced locomotion, whereas the D2 antagonist, raclopride, only delayed its onset. We also found that NPE evoked a net activation imbalance in NAcSh that propelled the population activity trajectories into a dynamic pharmacological brain state, which correlated with the onset of NPE-induced wakefulness. Together, our data demonstrate that NPE modulates NAcSh spiking activity and that both dopamine D1 and D2 receptors are necessary for NPE’s induced food intake suppression and weight loss.

Double immunofluorescent evidence that oxidative stress-associated activation of JNK/AP-1 signaling participates in neuropeptide-mediated appetite control

Amphetamine (AMPH), an appetite suppressant, alters expression levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the hypothalamus. This study explored the potential role of cJun-N-terminal kinases (JNK) in appetite control, mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in AMPH-treated rats. Rats were given AMPH daily for 4 days. Changes in feeding behavior and expression levels of hypothalamic NPY, CART, cFos, cJun, phosphorylated JNK (pJNK), as well as those of anti-oxidative enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GP) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), were examined and compared. Following AMPH treatment, food intake and NPY expression decreased, whereas the other proteins expression and AP-1/DNA binding activity increased. Both cerebral cJun inhibition and ROS inhibition attenuated AMPH anorexia and modified detected protein, revealing a crucial role for AP-1 and ROS in regulating AMPH-induced appetite control. Moreover, both pJNK/CART and SOD/CART activities detected by double immunofluorescent staining increased in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in AMPH-treated rats. The results suggested that pJNK/AP-1 signaling and endogenous anti-oxidants participated in regulating NPY/CART-mediated appetite control in rats treated with AMPH. These findings advance understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the role of pJNK/AP-1 and oxidative stress in NPY/CART-mediated appetite suppression in AMPH-treated rats.

Amphetamine Dose-Dependently Decreases and Increases Binge Intake of Fat and Sucrose Independent of Sex

OBJECTIVE

Amphetamine was formerly used as a treatment to combat obesity, but amphetamine's use as an appetite suppressant was discontinued because of its significant abuse potential. Most of the rewarding and reinforcing effects of amphetamine differ by sex, with females showing higher levels of drug intake and amphetamine-induced motivation, relapse, and locomotion, but it is unknown whether amphetamine's effects on feeding also differ by sex. Furthermore, previous research on the anorectic effects of amphetamine has been focused primarily on its effects on baseline homeostatic feeding, but it is unknown whether amphetamine also affects hedonic, reward-related feeding, which is an important factor driving the rise in obesity levels.

METHODS

This study tested whether amphetamine alters food intake in a sex-dependent manner in two reward-related feeding paradigms: a sucrose two-bottle choice test and a high-fat/high-sugar binge intake model.

RESULTS

Amphetamine altered food intake equally in males and females in both paradigms, with higher doses significantly inhibiting feeding and low doses of amphetamine increasing feeding at later time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Amphetamine's effects on feeding and drug reward may be mediated by distinct mechanisms, which could allow for the development of new approaches to combat obesity with limited abuse and addiction-related side effects.

Comparison of Effects of Light Anesthetics, Diethyl Ether and Carbon Dioxide, on Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus D1 and D2 Dopamine Receptors- and Glucosensitive Neurons-Induced Food Intake in Fasted Conscious Rats

Introduction

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and diethyl ether are used as light anesthetics. However, experimental data about their side effects are scarce. In addition, in all our previous works on regulatory mechanisms of hypothalamus during food intake, including the effect of Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN) D₁ and D₂ dopamine receptors and glucosensitive neurons, the drug injections were performed under brief diethyl ether anesthesia. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis which postulates that CO₂ and diethyl ether as light anesthetic agents affect the stimulatory effect of PVN dopamine receptors and glucosensitive neurons in feeding behavior.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were implanted with guide cannula directed to their PVN. Glucose (0.8 μg), SKF38393 (D₁ agonist, 0.5 μg), quinpirole (D₂ agonist, 0.3 μg) and saline (0.3 μL) were microinjected into the PVN and food intake was measured over 1 hour.

Results

Our results showed that CO₂ but not diethyl ether decreased food intake compared to intact animals. The PVN injections of glucose, SKF38393, and quinpirole increased food intake under brief diethyl ether anesthesia. In contrast, the PVN microinjected glucose-induced and dopamine receptor agonists-induced food intake were inhibited under light CO₂ anesthesia.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that brief exposure to CO₂ and diethyl ether as light anesthetic agents may affect PVN glucosensing neurons-induced and dopamine receptors-induced food intake in fasted rats.

Role of hypothalamic leptin-LepRb signaling in NPY-CART-mediated appetite suppression in amphetamine-treated rats

Leptin is an adipose tissue hormone which plays an important role in regulating energy homeostasis. Amphetamine (AMPH) is a drug of appetite suppressant, which exerts its effect by decreasing the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and increasing that of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). This study investigated whether leptin, the leptin receptor (LepRb) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) were involved in NPY/CART-mediated appetite suppression in AMPH-treated rats. Rats were given AMPH daily for four days, and changes in the levels of blood leptin and hypothalamic NPY, CART, LepRb, Janus kinases 2 (JAK2), and STAT3 were assessed and compared. During the AMPH treatment, blood leptin levels and hypothalamic NPY expression decreased, with the largest reduction observed on Day 2. By contrast, the expression of hypothalamic CART, LepRb, JAK2, and STAT3 increased, with the maximum response on Day 2. Furthermore, the binding activity of pSTAT3/DNA increased and was expressed in similar pattern to that of CART, LepRb, and JAK2. An intracerebroventricular infusion of NPY antisense 60min prior to AMPH treatment increased the levels of leptin, as well as the expression in LepRb, JAK2, and CART, whereas an infusion of STAT3 antisense decreased these levels and the expression of these parameters. The results suggest that blood leptin and hypothalamic LepRb-JAK2-STAT3 signaling involved in NPY-CART-regulated appetite suppression in AMPH-treated rats. The findings may aid understanding the role of leptin-LepRb during the treatment of anorectic drugs.

Knockdown of the transcript of ERK in the brain modulates hypothalamic neuropeptide-mediated appetite control in amphetamine-treated rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Amphetamine is a releaser of dopamine stored in synaptic terminals, which can suppress appetite by changing the expression levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in the hypothalamus. This study explored whether ERKs are involved in appetite control mediated by cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), NPY and POMC in amphetamine-treated rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Rats were given amphetamine for 4 days, and changes in feeding behaviour and expression levels of phosphorylated-ERK (pERK), pCREB, NPY and melanocortin MC₃ receptors were examined and compared.

KEY RESULTS

Following amphetamine treatment, food intake, body weight and NPY expression decreased, whereas the expression of pERK, pCREB, MC₃ receptors and pCREB/DNA binding activity increased. In amphetamine-treated rats, both cerebral ERK knockdown and pretreatment with a peripheral dopamine receptor antagonist decreased NPY but increased pERK, pCREB and MC₃ receptor expression. Moreover, the immunofluorescence of hypothalamic pERK increased following amphetamine treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results suggest that ERK/CREB signalling participates in the effects mediated by dopamine receptor/NPY/POMC on appetite control in rats treated with amphetamine. These findings advance the knowledge on the involvement of ERK/CREB signalling in the reciprocal regulation by NPY and POMC of appetite after amphetamine treatment.

The Role of Essential Fatty Acids in Anorexia Nervosa and Obesity

The two basic questions in food intake study are what we eat, and how much do we eat. Most research is directed toward the control of how much is eaten. This is likely the result of the increased number of individuals with eating disorders in the Western world. Feeding behavior is highly complex, and is controlled by many psychological, physiological, biochemical, and immunological factors. The aim of this review is to clarify the involvement of fatty acids in eating disorders such as anorexia and binge eating disorder. The review will describe the modified fatty acid profile observed in individuals with anorexia or binge eating disorder, and discuss on what factors fatty acids can exert beneficial effects. In addition, the differences and similarities between anorexia and binge eating disorder will be discussed. We suggest that beneficial effects of essential fatty acids on both anorexia and binge eating disorder can be explained by the stabilizing effect of those fatty acids on the neuronal membrane fluidity index.

Role of oxidative stress in disrupting the function of negative glucocorticoid response element in daily amphetamine-treated rats

Amphetamine (AMPH)-induced appetite suppression is associated with changes in hypothalamic reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants, neuropeptides, and plasma glucocorticoid. This study explored whether ROS and glucocorticoid response element (GRE), which is the promoter site of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene, participated in neuropeptides-mediated appetite control. Rats were treated daily with AMPH for four days, and changes in food intake, plasma glucocorticoid and expression levels of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), CRH, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were examined and compared. Results showed that food intake decreased and NPY gene down-regulated, while POMC, SOD, and CRH gene up-regulated during AMPH treatment. GR and GRE-DNA bindings were disrupted on Day 1 and Day 2 when glucocorticoid levels were still high. Pretreatment with GR inhibitor or ROS scavenger modulated mRNA levels in NPY, POMC, SOD and CRH in AMPH-treated rats. We suggest that disruptions of negative GRE (nGRE) on Day 1 and Day 2 are associated with an increase in oxidative stress during the regulation of NPY/POMC-mediated appetite control in AMPH-treated rats. These results advance the understanding of molecular mechanism in regulating AMPH-mediated appetite suppression.

Acute withdrawal-related hypophagia elicited by amphetamine is attenuated by pretreatment with selective dopamine D1 or D2 receptor antagonists in rats

After receiving 2.0mg/kg amphetamine, rats show two phases of reduced food intake, short-term hypophagia, during the first several hours after treatment, and longer-term hypophagia, approximately 19 to 26 h after treatment. The longer-term hypophagia may be an indicator of an acute withdrawal. This study assessed whether D1 and D2 receptor activation were important early events in the elicitation of longer-term hypophagia. Throughout a series of five-day tests, rats could lever press for food pellets for one-hour periods beginning every 3h. On test day 1, rats were given a saline pretreatment, and 15 min later they were given a saline treatment. On test day 3, they were given a pretreatment of either saline or a selective dopamine receptor antagonist, and 15 min later they were given a treatment of either saline or amphetamine (2.0mg/kg). In Experiment 1, pretreatments included 3, 12, 31, and 50 μg/kg of the selective D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390. In Experiment 2, pretreatments included 25, 50, and 100 μg/kg of the selective D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride. Distance moved was monitored for the first 6h following pretreatment-treatment combinations to obtain an indirect behavioral measure of receptor blockade (antagonist attenuation of amphetamine hyperactivity). Food intake at each meal opportunity was monitored throughout each five day test. Patterns of food intake following day 1 saline-saline and day 3 pretreatment-treatment were compared. The combination saline-amphetamine produced short-term and longer-term hypophagia. Combinations involving antagonist-saline did not produce longer-term changes in food intake. Pretreatment with 12 to 50 μg/kg of SCH 23390 produced substantial blockade of amphetamine hyperactivity and prevented amphetamine-induced acute-withdrawal-related longer-term hypophagia. Eticlopride produced a partial blockade of longer-term hypophagia. Both D1 and D2 receptor activation are required for full expression of longer-term hypophagia following amphetamine administration.

Involvement of oxidative stress in the regulation of NPY/CART-mediated appetite control in amphetamine-treated rats

Amphetamine (AMPH) treatment can suppress appetite and increase oxidative stress in the brain. AMPH-induced appetite suppression is associated with the regulation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the hypothalamus. The present study explored whether antioxidants, including glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GP), were involved in this NPY/CART-mediated appetite control. Rats were treated daily with AMPH for four days. Changes in food intake and expression levels of hypothalamic NPY, CART, GST, and GP were examined and compared. Results showed that, in AMPH-treated rats, (1) food intake and NPY expression decreased, while CART, GST, and GP expression increased; (2) NPY knockdown in the brain enhanced the decrease in NPY and the increases in CART, GST, and GP expression; and (3) central inhibition of reactive oxygen species production decreased GST and GP and modulated AMPH anorexia and the expression levels of NPY and CART. The present results suggest that oxidative stress in the brain participates in regulating NPY/CART-mediated appetite control in AMPH-treated rats. These results may advance the knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism of AMPH-evoked or NPY/CART-mediated appetite suppression.

Khat use and appetite: an overview and comparison of amphetamine, khat and cathinone

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

To understand the role of khat (Catha edulis) use on the aberrations in appetite and weight which are common comorbidities for khat and other amphetamine users.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We provide a comprehensive overview and conceptual summary of the historical cultural use of khat as a natural stimulant and describe the similarities and differences between cathinone (the main psychoactive constituent of khat) and amphetamine highlighting the limited literature on the neurophysiology of appetite and subsequent weight effects of khat.

RESULTS

Animal and some human studies indicate that khat produces appetite suppression, although little is known about mechanisms of this effect. Both direct and indirect effects of khat stem from multiple factors including behavioral, chemical and neurophysiological effects on appetite and metabolism. Classic and newly identified appetite hormones have not been explored sufficiently in the study of appetite and khat use. Unique methodological challenges and opportunities are encountered when examining effects of khat and cathinone including khat-specific medical comorbidities, unique route of administration, differential patterns of behavioral effects relative to amphetamines and the nascent state of our understanding of the neurobiology of this drug.

CONCLUSION

A considerable amount of work remains in the study of the appetite effects of khat chewing and outline a program of research that could inform our understanding of this natural amphetamine׳s appetite effects and help prepare health care workers for the unique health effects of this drug.

Involvement of hypothalamic PI3K-STAT3 signalling in regulating appetite suppression mediated by amphetamine

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Appetite suppression induced by amphetamine has been attributed to its inhibition of neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons and activation of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus. This study examined whether STAT3 was involved in these actions of amphetamine.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Rats were given amphetamine daily for 4 days. Changes in the expression of NPY, POMC, melanocortin MC3 receptors, PI3K and STAT3 in the hypothalamus were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Antisense oligonucleotides to STAT3 were also used.

KEY RESULTS

Expression of NPY decreased with a maximum effect day 2 of amphetamine treatment. Expression of POMC, MC3 receptors, PI3K and STAT3 increased with a maximum response on day 2. Moreover, phosphorylation of STAT3 and its DNA binding activity increased and was expressed in a similar pattern. Infusion (i.c.v.) of STAT3 antisense at 60 min before amphetamine treatment, partly blocked amphetamine-induced anorexia and modulated expression of NPY, POMC, MC3 receptors and PI3K, indicating the involvement of STAT3 in amphetamine-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Hypothalamic PI3K-STAT3 signalling participated in the regulation of NPY- and POMC-mediated appetite suppression. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of anorectic drugs.

Both neuropeptide Y knockdown and Y1 receptor inhibition modulate CART-mediated appetite control

Amphetamine (AMPH)-induced appetite suppression has been attributed to its inhibition of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-containing neurons in the hypothalamus. This study examined whether hypothalamic cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART)-containing neurons and NPY Y1 receptor (Y1R) were involved in the action of AMPH. Rats were treated daily with AMPH for four days, and changes in feeding behavior and expression levels of NPY, CART, and POMC were assessed and compared. The results showed that both feeding behavior and NPY expression decreased during AMPH treatment, with the biggest reduction occurring on Day 2. By contrast, the expression of CART and melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R), a member of the POMC neurotransmission, increased with the maximum response on Day 2, directly opposite to the NPY expression results. The intracerebroventricular infusion of NPY antisense or Y1R inhibitor both modulated AMPH-induced anorexia and the expression levels of MC3R and CART. The results suggest that in the hypothalamus both POMC- and CART-containing neurons participate in regulating NPY-mediated appetite control during AMPH treatment. These results may advance the knowledge of molecular mechanism of anorectic drugs.

Involvement of neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor in the regulation of amphetamine-mediated appetite suppression

Recently, we reported that an initial decrease followed by recovery of food intake was observed during four days of amphetamine (AMPH) treatment and suggested that these changes in response were mediated by changes in neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Here we investigated if Y1 receptor (Y1R) and/or Y5 receptor (Y5R) might be involved in this regulation. Rats were treated daily with AMPH for four days. Changes in the expression levels of Y1R, Y5R, melanocortin receptor 3 (MC3R), and NPY were assessed and compared. Results showed that Y1R and MC3R increased, with a maximal increase of about 210% on Day 2 but with a restoration to the normal level on Day 4. In contrast, NPY decreased with a biggest reduction of about 45% on Day 2 and the pattern of expression during AMPH treatment was opposite to those of Y1R and MC3R, while the expression of Y5R was not changed. Central inhibitions of NPY formation or Y1R activity modulated the anorectic response of AMPH and the reciprocal regulation of NPY and MC3R, revealing a crucial role of Y1R in this action. It is suggested that Y1R participates in the reciprocal regulation of NPY- and MC3R-containing neurons in the hypothalamus during the anorectic effect of AMPH. These results may further the understanding of Y1R in the control of eating.

The role of ghrelin, neuropeptide Y and leptin peptides in weight gain after deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

The exact mechanism of weight gain (WG) after deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate a possible involvement of ghrelin, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and leptin in WG after DBS.

METHODS

Twenty-three Parkinson patients were submitted for body composition measurements and blood sampling 3 days before, and 3 and 6 months after STN DBS. Peripheral concentrations of ghrelin, NPY, and leptin were determined, as well as the L-dopa equivalent daily dose. Patients were clinically evaluated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Three months after surgery, a significant WG was observed (3.09 ± 5.00 kg; p = 0.007) with no further increase at 6 months. Three months postoperatively, NPY circulating levels increased significantly (p = 0.05), while the increase of ghrelin levels reached statistical significance at 6 months (p = 0.001). WG was significantly associated with changes of ghrelin and leptin levels at 3 and 6 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

STN DBS seems to temporarily dysregulate the hypothalamic secretion of NPY and ghrelin. The variation of weight may be attributed to an increased production of ghrelin and leptin. A possible neuroprotective role of DBS, exerted through the increase of ghrelin levels, should be further studied.

NF-κB knockdown can modulate amphetamine-mediated feeding response

This study determined if transcription factor NF-κB is involved in the effect of amphetamine (AMPH)-mediated feeding response. Moreover, possible roles of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) were also investigated. AMPH was administered daily to rats for four days. Changes in NF-κB, NPY and POMC expression were assessed and compared. The NPY gene was down-regulated with maximal response on Day 2 during AMPH treatment, which was consistent with the response to feeding behavior. In contrast, NF-κB and POMC genes were up-regulated, and their expression was increased by about 200% and 450%, respectively, with maximal response on Day 2. Moreover, NF-κB DNA binding ability and expression were increased similar to that of POMC. To examine further if NF-κB was involved, intracerebroventricular infusion of NF-κB antisense oligonucleotide was performed 1 h before the daily AMPH dosing in freely moving rats. Results showed that NF-κB knockdown could modify AMPH anorexia as well as NPY and POMC expression. The present findings prove that cerebral NF-κB participates in AMPH-mediated appetite suppression, possibly by modulating NPY and POMC expression. These results may aid in therapeutic research on AMPH and AMPH-like anti-obesity drugs.

Partial inactivation of Ankrd26 causes diabetes with enhanced insulin responsiveness of adipose tissue in mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

ANKRD26 is a newly described gene located at 10p12 in humans, a locus that has been identified with some forms of hereditary obesity. Previous studies have shown that partial inactivation of Ankrd26 in mice causes hyperphagia, obesity and gigantism. Hypothesising that Ankrd26 mutant (MT) mice could develop diabetes, we sought to establish whether the observed phenotype could be (1) solely related to the development of obesity or (2) caused by a direct action of ankyrin repeat domain 26 (ANKRD26) in peripheral tissues.

METHODS

To test the hypothesis, we did a full metabolic characterisation of Ankrd26 MT mice that had free access to chow or were placed under two different energy-restricted dietary regimens.

RESULTS

Highly obese Ankrd26 MT mice developed an unusual form of diabetes in which white adipose tissue is insulin-sensitive, while other tissues are insulin-resistant. When obese MT mice were placed on a food-restricted diet, their weight and glucose homeostasis returned to normal. In addition, when young MT mice were placed on a pair-feeding diet with normal mice, they maintained normal body weight, but showed better glucose tolerance than normal mice, an increased responsiveness of white adipose tissue to insulin and enhanced phosphorylation of the insulin receptor.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These findings show that the ANKRD26 protein has at least two functions in mice. One is to control the response of white adipose tissue to insulin; the other is to control appetite, which when Ankrd26 is mutated, leads to hyperphagia and diabetes in an obesity-dependent manner.

The effects of dose and repeated administration on the longer-term hypophagia produced by amphetamine in rats

Rats are hypophagic approximately 1-3 and 13-27h after receiving amphetamine (2.0mg/kg). This study examined how these short- and longer-term phases of hypophagia were affected by repeated administration of different amphetamine doses. Throughout eight five-day tests, the rats could lever press for food pellets for 1-hour periods beginning every three hours. On test day 1, the rats were treated with saline, and on test day 3, they were treated with a dose of amphetamine. Across tests, for one group, treatment on day 3 alternated between 0.0 (saline) and 0.5mg/kg amphetamine; for a second, group treatment on day 3 alternated between 1.0 and 2.0mg/kg amphetamine; and for a third group, treatment on day 3 was always 1.0mg/kg amphetamine. The patterns of food intake following day 1 saline and day 3 treatment were compared. Short-term food intake was abolished by 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0mg/kg amphetamine, and no tolerance was observed to this effect. Longer-term hypophagia was produced by 1.0 and 2.0 but not by 0.5mg/kg. Tolerance to longer-term hypophagia was seen when 1.0mg/kg alone was used as the day 3 treatment, but not when 1.0 and 2.0mg/kg were alternated across tests as the day 3 treatment. Short- and longer-term hypophagia were dissociated by threshold doses for elicitation and by differential tolerance. Occasional receipt of a higher amphetamine dose may sometimes increase the longer-term hypophagia produced by a lower dose.

Time-dependent effects of amphetamine on feeding in rats

Following administration of a moderate dose of amphetamine, rats appear to pass through a sequence of physiological/psychological states, including stimulant and depressant states. The present research evaluated whether these states could be inferred from time-dependent changes in feeding-related measures. Male rats were housed in individual stations (light-dark 12-12 h, free access to water) where, at 3-h intervals, they could respond for food for 1 h. The work requirement was fixed ratio 1, and each lever press produced six 94-mg food pellets. When the pattern of responding for food stabilized across the light-dark cycle, a series of 6 or 7 tests was run. During each test, rats received a saline treatment (1.0 ml/kg, subcutaneously) followed by a 48-h monitoring period, and then they received an amphetamine treatment (2.0 mg/kg, subcutaneously) followed by a 72-h monitoring period. Different groups were treated at either light onset or light offset. Lever presses and head-in-feeding-bin responses were monitored throughout these tests. Administration of amphetamine at light onset and at light offset produced cumulative food intake functions having four regions: post-treatment hours 1-6 (hypophagia), 7-12 (normal intake), 13-27 (hypophagia), and 28 and beyond (normal intake). The sequence, duration, and quality of the amphetamine-induced changes in food intake resembled those formerly seen in cue state and activity, and provided further evidence of a transient withdrawal state 20-24 h post-amphetamine treatment.

Chronic administration of olanzapine induces metabolic and food intake alterations: a mouse model of the atypical antipsychotic-associated adverse effects

RATIONALE

Most of atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) are highly related to a major risk of metabolic drawbacks leading to dyslipidemia and obesity.

OBJECTIVE

To set up a mouse model of the AAP-associated weight gain in mice under the influence of chronic olanzapine regimen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female mice were housed in pairs and habituated to spontaneous feeding with a high-palatable diet (10% sucrose wet mash). Firstly, we orally administered olanzapine (0.75, 1.5 and 3 mg/kg), evaluating body weight and periuterine fat mass, as well as insulin, non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, and glucose levels. In a second experiment, we assessed the effect of olanzapine on energy expenditure through indirect calorimetry (IC). A third experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of olanzapine on a high fat-high sweet palatable diet (10% sucrose + 30% fat, HF-HS) in mice implanted with subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps. Locomotor activity was also assessed.

RESULTS

In experiment 1, the highest dose of chronically administered olanzapine (3 mg/kg) induced significant weight gain accompanied by augmentation of periuterine fat depots, with no changes in locomotor activity. In experiment 2, chronic administration did not alter energy expenditure, whereas, decreased respiratory quotient (RQ). In experiment 3, subcutaneously infused olanzapine evidenced a dose and time-dependent increase of body weight and HF-HS diet consumed. Notably, serum analyses revealed a hyperinsulinemia together with increased levels of triglycerides and glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we describe in female mice metabolic alterations matching the metabolic syndrome, thus resembling the clinical situation of schizophrenic patients taking AAPs.

Dysregulation of dopamine signaling in the dorsal striatum inhibits feeding

Dopamine signaling is an important component of many goal-directed behaviors, such as feeding. Acute disruption of dopamine signaling using pharmacological agents tends to inhibit normal feeding behaviors in rodents. Likewise, genetically engineered dopamine-deficient (DD) mice are unable to initiate sufficient feeding and will starve by approximately 3 weeks of age if untreated. Adequate feeding by DD mice can be achieved by daily administration of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa), a precursor of dopamine, which can be taken up by dopaminergic neurons, converted to dopamine, and released in a regulated manner. In contrast, adequate feeding cannot be restored with apomorphine (APO), a mixed agonist that activates D1 and D2 receptors. Viral restoration of dopamine production in neurons that project to the dorsal striatum also restores feeding in DD mice. Administration of amphetamine (AMPH) or nomifensine (NOM), drugs which increase synaptic dopamine concentration, inhibits food intake in virally rescued DD mice (vrDD) as in control animals. These results indicate that the dysregulation of dopamine signaling in the dorsal striatum is sufficient to induce hypophagia and suggest that regulated release of dopamine in that brain region is essential for normal feeding and, probably, many other goal-directed behaviors.

Neuropeptide Y, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and monoamines in food intake regulation

Obesity is increasing in severity and prevalence in the United States and represents a major public health issue. No effective pharmacologic treatment leading to sustained weight loss currently exists. The growing interest in the regulation of food intake stems from the current drug treatments for obesity, almost all of which interfere with the monoamine system. Our knowledge of potential interactions between the orexigenic and anorexigenic pathways is limited and fragmented, making the development of targeted drug therapy for obesity difficult. The present review of the interaction of neuropeptides and monoamines emphasizes the complexity of the central mechanisms that regulate feeding behavior. Two main systems are implicated in food intake regulation: neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro-opiomelanocortin. alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone is a tridecapeptide cleaved from pro-opiomelanocortin that acts to inhibit food intake. The predominant NPY orexigenic receptors are NPY-Y1 and NPY-Y5, and the two anorexigenic melanocortin receptors involved in hypothalamic food intake control are MC3-R and MC4-R. Both neuropeptides interact with monoamines in the hypothalamus to control physiologic states such as hunger, satiation, and satiety. Serotonin suppresses food intake and body weight, acting mainly through the serotonin 1B receptor. Dopamine regulates hunger and satiety by acting in specific hypothalamic areas, through the D1 and D2 receptors. Noradrenaline activation of alpha1- and beta2-adrenoceptors decreases food intake, and stimulation of the alpha2-adrenoceptor increases food intake. A better understanding of the detailed mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of hyperphagia and hypophagia is needed to develop new therapeutic approaches to obesity.

Involvement of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y in regulating the amphetamine-induced appetite suppression in streptozotocin diabetic rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Amphetamine (AMPH) is a well-known anorectic agent. In normal rats, AMPH-induced anorexia has been attributed to its inhibitory action on hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY), an appetite stimulant in the brain. In diabetic rats, however, if this anorectic response of AMPH might still be observed was uncertain.

METHODS

Rats (including normal, diabetic and insulin-treated diabetic rats) were given daily with saline or AMPH for 6 days. Changes in food intake, plasma glucose level (PGL) and NPY content of these rats were measured and compared.

RESULTS

The AMPH-induced anorectic response was altered in diabetic rats. Although the anorectic effects of AMPH on the first day of dosing were similar between diabetic and control rats, diabetic rats developed tolerance to this anorexia more rapidly than control rats. This alteration was independent of PGL since PGL levels were not changed following AMPH treatment and PGL normalization induced by phlorizin could not restore the level of AMPH anorexia. On the other hand, this alteration was dependent on the action of NPY because NPY contents were decreased following AMPH treatment and the replacement of insulin in diabetic rats could restore both NPY content and AMPH anorexia.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the elevated hypothalamic NPY content in diabetic rats was involved in modifying the anorectic response of AMPH.

Amphetamine, an appetite suppressant, decreases neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity in rat hypothalamic paraventriculum

Amphetamine (AMPH) is a well-known anorectic agent. The mechanism underlying the anorectic response of AMPH has been attributed to its inhibitory effect on hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY), an orexigenic peptide in the brain. However, there is still lack of genomic or in situ immunohistochemical evidence to prove it. The present study was aimed to assess the molecular mechanism of AMPH anorexia by immunostaining of hypothalamic NPY protein in the area of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and by detecting the change of hypothalamic NPY mRNA level using RT-PCR. Results revealed that an AMPH treatment might reduce the expression of NPY at both transcriptional and posttranslational levels. Comparatively, a treatment of clomipramine, a serotonin transporter inhibitor, was unable to reduce NPY mRNA level, revealing the noninvolvement of hypothalamic NPY gene in serotonin anorexia. Our results provided genomic and in situ immunohistochemical evidence to confirm the mediation of hypothalamic NPY neurons in the anorectic action of AMPH.

Dysregulation of striatal dopamine signaling by amphetamine inhibits feeding by hungry mice

Amphetamine (AMPH) releases monoamines, transiently stimulates locomotion, and inhibits feeding. Using a genetic approach, we show that mice lacking dopamine (DA-deficient, or DD, mice) are resistant to the hypophagic effects of a moderate dose of AMPH (2 microg/g) but manifest normal AMPH-induced hypophagia after restoration of DA signaling in the caudate putamen by viral gene therapy. By contrast, AMPH-induced hypophagia in response to the same dose of AMPH is not blunted in mice lacking the ability to make norepinephrine and epinephrine (Dbh(-/-)), dopamine D(2) receptors (D2r(-/-)), dopamine D(1) receptors (D1r(-/-)), serotonin 2C receptors (Htr2c(-/Y)), neuropeptide Y (Npy(-/-)), and in mice with compromised melanocortin signaling (A(y)). We suggest that, at this moderate dose of AMPH, dysregulation of striatal DA is the primary cause of AMPH-induced hypophagia and that regulated striatal dopaminergic signaling may be necessary for normal feeding behaviors.

Does L-dopa treatment contribute to reduction in body weight in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease?

OBJECTIVE

Many patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) lose weight also early during the disease. The objective of the study was to investigate possible causative factors for this loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this report, 28 PD patients and 28 age- and sex-matched controls were repeatedly assessed with the focus on body weight, body fat mass, dysphagia, olfaction, physical activity, PD symptomatology and drug treatment.

RESULTS

Weight loss was seen in PD patients both before and during L-dopa treatment.

CONCLUSION

The underlying disease could play a role, but our results also suggest that L-dopa per se could contribute to the weight loss.

Differential effects of methamphetamine on expression of neuropeptide Y mRNA in hypothalamus and on serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations in ad libitum-fed and schedule-fed rats

Relatively little is known concerning the interaction of psychostimulants with hypothalamic neuropeptide systems or metabolic hormones implicated in regulation of energy balance. The present studies tested whether methamphetamine alters the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP), two important orexigenic neuropeptides, or proopiomelanocortin (POMC), the precursor for the anorexigenic peptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, or the secretion of leptin, insulin and ghrelin, concomitant with inhibition of food intake. Female rats were either fed ad libitum (AL) or placed on a scheduled feeding (SF) regimen, with access to food limited to 4 h/day. Administration of (+/-)-methamphetamine (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) 2 h prior to food presentation significantly inhibited food intake in SF animals, but did not affect intake in AL animals. In a separate study, AL and SF animals were killed just prior to expected food presentation, and expression of NPY, AgRP and POMC mRNAs in hypothalamus was determined using in situ hybridisation; concentrations of leptin, insulin and ghrelin in serum were determined with radioimmunoassays. In saline-treated, SF controls, NPY and AgRP mRNA expression in arcuate nucleus and serum ghrelin were significantly elevated, and serum leptin and insulin were significantly reduced. Methamphetamine reversed the up-regulation of NPY mRNA expression observed in the SF condition, without affecting AgRP mRNA or the serum concentrations of metabolic hormones. However, in AL animals, NPY mRNA expression in arcuate and dorsomedial nuclei was significantly increased by methamphetamine, which also reduced serum leptin and insulin and increased serum ghrelin concentrations. These findings suggest that the inhibition of NPY expression in SF animals may be a mechanism underlying the anorexigenic effect of methamphetamine seen in this condition. The increase in NPY expression produced by methamphetamine in AL animals may be mediated by the ability of this drug to decrease secretion of leptin and insulin and increase secretion of ghrelin.

Immunohistochemical and genomic evidence for the involvement of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) in phenylpropranolamine-mediated appetite suppression

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is an appetite suppressant. The mechanism for the anorectic effect of PPA has been attributed to its action on the site of hypothalamic paraventriculum. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an appetite stimulant that is widely distributed in the site of hypothalamus. It is not clear whether hypothalamic NPY is involved in the anorectic action of PPA. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the involvement of NPY gene in the anorectic action of PPA. Results revealed that PPA treatment in rats could decrease both NPY content and mRNA level in the hypothalamus. In addition, the expression of NPY immunoreactivity following PPA treatment was decreased in areas of hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus and periventricular area using immunohistochemical staining, suggesting an involvement of NPYergic pathway in the action of PPA anorexia. Our results provided immunohistochemical and genomic evidence to suggest that PPA might reduce feeding by altering NPY gene expression.

Further evidence for the mediation of both subtypes of dopamine D1/D2 receptors and cerebral neuropeptide Y (NPY) in amphetamine-induced appetite suppression

Amphetamine (AMPH) is known as an anorectic agent. Repeated treatments of AMPH for several days induced a marked anorexia on day 1 followed by a gradual return of food intake to normal level. Previously, using daily food intake (DFI) as an indicator, we found that both dopamine (DA) D1 and D2 receptors were involved in AMPH anorexia. In the present study, using DFI and body weight change (BWC) as indicators, we took a further step to examine whether repeated co-administrations of D1 and D2 agonists might produce an AMPH-like action. Results revealed that repeated co-administrations of D1 and D2 agonists, but not D1 or D2 agonist alone, produced an AMPH-like action (i.e., tolerant DFI and BWC), confirming the previous study. In addition, we examined whether cerebral neuropeptide Y (NPY), an orexigenic neurotransmitter reported to mediate AMPH anorexia, was involved in the anorectic action of D1/D2 co-administration. Our result revealed that injection of NPY antisense into brain could modify the anorectic action of repeated D1/D2 agonists, indicating the involvement of NPY. Taken together, the present results confirmed that both subtypes of D1 and D2 receptors and cerebral NPY were involved in the anorectic action of AMPH.

Both alpha1-adrenergic and D(1)-dopaminergic neurotransmissions are involved in phenylpropanolamine-mediated feeding suppression in mice

The anorectic action of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) has been attributed to the activation of alpha1 adrenoceptors. It is unknown whether dopamine (DA) receptor subtype was involved in this action. With a treating dose higher than those used in previous reports and a testing period mainly in the dark phase of a circadian rhythm, we found that DA-ergic transmission was also involved in PPA anorexia. Pretreatment of phentolamine or prazosin could partly block PPA-induced anorexia, confirming the involvement of alpha1 adrenoceptor subtype. In addition, pretreatment of haloperidol or SCH 23390 could also partly block PPA anorexia, revealing the involvement of D(1) receptor subtype. Moreover, co-administration of prazosin and SCH 23390 could completely block PPA anorexia, confirming the co-involvement of alpha1 and D(1) receptor subtypes. These findings suggested that both subtypes of alpha1 adrenoceptor and D(1) receptor were involved in the anorectic action of PPA.

Effect of amphetamine repeated treatment on the feeding behavior in neuropeptide Y-overexpressing mice

The preset study examined the hypothesis that an increase of brain neuropeptide Y (NPY), an orexigenic peptide, might decrease the action of amphetamine (AMPH), a well-known anorectic agent. Transgenic mice overexpressing the NPY gene were used to compare with the wild-type control. AMPH-induced anorexia is documented to mediate through the release of dopamine (DA), via an activation of D(1)- and D(2)-subtype receptors, to affect the hypothalamic NPY. Thus, co-administration of D(1)/D(2) agonists was also performed to mimic the action of AMPH. The mice of NPY-overexpressing (NPY-OX) and wild-type groups were administered with AMPH or a combination of D(1)/D(2) agonists repeatedly for 5 days. We found that repeated AMPH administration-induced anorexia in wild-type mice was longer (at the initial 3 days) than that in NPY-OX mice (only at the first day). Moreover, repeated co-administration of D(1)/D(2) agonists significantly exerted a continuous anorectic effect in wild-type mice, but exerted a significant effect only at the first day in NPY-OX mice. These results indicated that the anorectic effect of AMPH decayed faster in NPY-OX mice and suggested that NPY expression by the stimuli could counteract the anorectic effect of AMPH. Thus, NPY can be considered to play a functional role in the regulation of AMPH-induced anorexia in mice.

Role of cerebral dopamine but not plasma insulin, leptin and glucocorticoid in the development of tolerance to the anorectic effect of amphetamine

Repeated treatment with amphetamine (AMPH), an anorectic agent, induced a marked anorexia on day 1 followed by a gradual reversion of this anorexia to the normal level of feeding (tolerant anorexia). The mechanism for this tolerant anorexia remained unknown because it might be related with multiple parameters, such as the change of cerebral dopamine (DA) or the plasma levels of insulin, leptin and glucocorticoid. Results revealed that plasma insulin and leptin concentrations remained unchanged during repeated AMPH administration, revealing that these two factors are not involved. Also, glucocorticoids were not required for the development of tolerant anorexia, as this effect could not be prevented by adrenalectomy. However, AMPH-induced anorexia was decreased by the pretreatment of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, an inhibitor of central catecholamine synthesis, and was increased by the pretreatment of nomifensine, a blocker of DA transporter that increased extracellular DA content in brain, revealing that the change of DA content could modify the action of tolerant anorexia. It is suggested that the decrease of inhibitory action of DA in brain during repeated AMPH plays a functional role in the development of tolerance to the anorectic response of AMPH.

Nutritional abnormalities contributing to cachexia in chronic illness

Cachexia is a common consequence of chronic illness. The nutritional abnormalities contributing to the clinical picture are often a composite of reduced appetite, dietary factors including protein, energy and micronutrient intake, malabsorption and increased consumption or loss of nutrients. In this article, using chronic heart failure as an example, we have reviewed the potential influences of chronic disease on each of these and how they might lead to the relentless progression of wasting and the poor prognosis associated with it.