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8-OH-DPAT specifically enhances feeding behaviour in mice: evidence from behavioural competition

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Abstract

The behavioural specificity of the hyperphagic effects of 8-OH-DPAT is a controversial issue. The present study addressed this question through the introduction of behavioural competition. Feeding behaviour in male mice was assessed under both basal (free-feeding) and social conflict conditions. Since, in the latter condition, defence and escape are prepotent responses, elicitation of feeding would be indicative of a specific treatment effect on mechanisms controlling food intake. Results showed that 8-OH-DPAT enhanced basal feeding duration (at doses of 0.05–0.50 mg/kg) and also elicited feeding in intruder mice during encounters with aggressive resident conspecifics (at doses of 0.10–0.50 mg/kg). As the 5-HT3 antagonist GR 38032F (1.0–2.0 mg/kg) enhanced feeding only under basal conditions, the effect of 8-OH-DPAT cannot readily be attributed to anxiety reduction. Finally, diazepam (1.0–2.0 mg/kg) produced a similar profile to that of 8-OH-DPAT, suggesting that the hyperphagic effects of the 5-HT1A agonist are not pharmacologically specific.

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  1. Pharmacoethology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, Leeds, UK

    J. K. Shepherd & R. J. Rodgers

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  1. J. K. Shepherd
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  2. R. J. Rodgers
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Shepherd, J.K., Rodgers, R.J. 8-OH-DPAT specifically enhances feeding behaviour in mice: evidence from behavioural competition. Psychopharmacology 101, 408–413 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02244062

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02244062

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