Intraventricular neuropeptide Y decreases need-induced sodium appetite and increases pica in rats.
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a potent endogenous stimulator of food intake. In addition to stimulating increased food intake, when paired with a novel-flavored solution, NPY produces an aversion to that flavor. Hence, exogenous NPY elicits 2 seemingly opposing behaviors, increased feeding and the formation of a conditioned taste aversion. One interpretation of these data is that NPY produces some form of malaise or visceral illness. NPY's orexigenic and malaise-inducing properties were tested in rats with 2 measures sensitive to malaise, increased kaolin consumption (pica behavior) and failure to express need-induced sodium intake. Administration of NPY resulted in increased food intake, increased kaolin consumption, and decreased need-induced sodium intake. These data support the hypothesis that exogenous NPY has both orexigenic and malaise-inducing properties.
Madden
L J
LJ
Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of Washington, USA. lmadden@icarus.sfbr.org
Seeley
R J
RJ
Woods
S C
SC
D000818:Animals; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D007616:Kaolin; D008297:Male; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000502:physiology; D010842:Pica / Q000139:chemically induced*; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D012964:Sodium / Q000172:deficiency*; D012982:Sodium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012982:Sodium, Dietary; D007616:Kaolin; D012964:Sodium