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Psychopharmacology

ISSN: 0033-3158 (printed version)
ISSN: 1432-2072 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract

Volume 143 Issue 3 (1999) pp 315-317

rapid communication: Anandamide induces overeating: mediation by central cannabinoid (CB1) receptors

Claire M. Williams, T. C. Kirkham

Department of Psychology, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 238, Reading RG6 6AL, UK, e-mail: t.c.kirkham@reading.ac.uk, Fax: +44-1189-316-715

Received: 10 November 1998 / Final version: 13 January 1999

Abstract
Rationale: Central cannabinoid systems have been implicated in appetite regulation by the respective hyperphagic actions of exogenous cannabinoids, such as <Delta>9-THC, and hypophagic effects of selective cannabinoid receptor antagonists.
Objective: This study examined whether an endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, could induce overeating, via a specific action at central (CB1) cannabinoid receptors. Methods: Pre-satiated male rats (n=18), received subcutaneous injections of anandamide (0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg) before 3-h, nocturnal food intake tests. In a second series of intake tests (n=8), anandamide injection (1.0 mg/kg) was preceded by injection of the specific CB1 receptor antagonist, SR141716 (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 mg/kg SC). Results: All doses of anandamide induced significant overeating, with 1.0 mg/kg being most potent. Additionally, hyperphagia induced by 1.0 mg/kg anandamide was dose-dependently attenuated by SR141716 pretreatment. Conclusion: This first demonstration of anandamide-induced, CB1-mediated, overeating provides important evidence for the involvement of a central cannabinoid system in the normal control of eating.

Key words SR141716 · Hyperphagia · Rat · Pre-feed · Eating · Appetite

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Online publication: April 16, 1999
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© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1999

williams-01.pdf
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