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The influence of cyproheptadine on immobilization and oestradiol benzoate induced anorexia in ovariectomized rats

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Abstract

Repeated bodily immobilization significantly reduced the food intake of ovariectomized rats. Additionally, immobilization and oestradiol benzoate were found to produce additive effects in depressing feeding. To determine whether serotonergic mechanisms are involved in the stress-and oestrogen-induced anorexia, the 5-HT antagonist cyproheptadine was given to ovariectomized rats that were immobilized and treated with oestradiol benzoate. Cyproheptadine had no effect on the anorexia produced by oestradiol. The food intake of immobilized rats treated with cyproheptadine was similar to control values, suggesting 5-HT involvement in the stress-induced anorexia. However, cyproheptadine had no ameliorating effects on the changes in body weight following immobilization treatment. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to a possible neuroendocrine basis for anorexia.

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Author notes

  1. C. Haslam

    Present address: Department of Social Sciences, Loughborough University of Technology, LE11 3TU, Loughborough, Leics, UK

  2. T. P. Donohoe

    Present address: Glaxo Group Research Ltd, Priory Street, SG12 ODJ, Ware, Hertfordshire, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, University Park, Nottingham, UK

    C. Haslam, R. Stevens & T. P. Donohoe

Authors
  1. C. Haslam
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  2. R. Stevens
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  3. T. P. Donohoe
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Haslam, C., Stevens, R. & Donohoe, T.P. The influence of cyproheptadine on immobilization and oestradiol benzoate induced anorexia in ovariectomized rats. Psychopharmacology 93, 201–206 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00179934

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00179934

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