The interaction of metergoline, a 5-HT receptor blocker, and dexfenfluramine in human feeding.
Use of the 5-HT antagonist metergoline (MTG) has shown that dexfenfluramine (d-FF) influences food intake in animals via serotoninergic neurones. This study examined the interaction between d-FF and MTG in humans. Healthy male volunteers reported singly at 8:45 A.M. on four weekly occasions following an overnight fast. At 9:00 A.M. they received 30 mg d-FF or matching placebo and at 11:00 A.M. 4 mg MTG or placebo. Hunger and satiety were assessed hourly using visual analog scales (VAS). Subjects had access to a 4-channel automated food dispenser (AFD) from 1:15 to 3:15 P.M. Delivery and recording of each portion of known energy value was contingent on an appropriate button push. Subjects were offered two nonsweet snacks, plus fruit and a chocolate biscuit chosen to each subject's preference. Results for 13 subjects are reported. d-FF reduced hunger VAS, MTG had no effect on hunger and did not attenuate the effect of d-FF. d-FF reduced total food intake by 1306 kJ (312 kcal p less than 0.01) at 120 min. MTG increased food intake and attenuated the effect of d-FF on food intake but not significantly. d-FF markedly reduced the intake of nonsweet food; this was attenuated by MTG which alone had no effect on nonsweet food. d-FF had no effect on the intake of sweet tasting food during the first hour; by 120 min it had reduced energy intake by 342 kJ (82 kcal, t = 1.34, n.s.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Goodall
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Academic Unit of Human Psychopharmacology, Medical College of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, U.K.
Silverstone
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T
D004347:Drug Interactions; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects*; D004873:Ergolines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008711:Metergoline / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects
D004873:Ergolines; D008711:Metergoline; D005277:Fenfluramine