beta-Endorphin is associated with overeating in genetically obese mice (ob/ob) and rats (fa/fa).
Small doses of the opiate antagonist naloxone selectively abolished overeating in genetically obese mice (ob/ob) and rats (fa/fa). Elevated concentrations of the naturally occurring opiate beta-endorphin were found in the pituitaries of both obese species and in the blood plasma of the obese rats. Brain levels of beta-endorphin and Leu-enkephalin were unchanged. These data suggest that excess pituitary beta-endorphin may play a role in the development of the overeating and obesity syndrome.
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D004723:Endorphins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008820:Mice, Obese / Q000502:physiology*; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology; D009765:Obesity / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats
D004723:Endorphins; D009270:Naloxone