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Intra-accumbens baclofen selectively enhances feeding behaviour in the rat

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 20:48 authored by B O Ward, E M Somerville, Pete CliftonPete Clifton
Intraaccumbens infusions of the GABA(B) agonist baclofen are known to stimulate food intake in the rat. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of baclofen infusion on nonfood-related chewing and on the consumption of a palatable fluid. Rats were bilaterally infused with baclofen (188 ng in 1 microL) or saline, and tested in a situation in which food was available in one or two locations and wood blocks might also be present. Baclofen-infused animals showed no enhancement of chewing directed at the wood blocks, but showed increased food consumption regardless of food location. In a second, separate test we recorded the microstructural parameters for drinking of a palatable glucose/saccharin mixture. Baclofen infusion had no effect on overall intake, although bout size was reduced and the number of bouts was increased. These data confirm that baclofen-stimulated food intake following accumbens infusion is a robust and substantial phenomenon that appears to be selective to solid food. It is likely to result from relatively direct activation of neural circuits for feeding, rather than an indirect facilitation consequent upon changes in taste processings, as has been suggested for some other examples of drug-induced hyperphagia.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Physiology and Behavior

ISSN

0031-9384

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

4

Volume

68

Page range

463-468

ISBN

0031-9384

Department affiliated with

  • Neuroscience Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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