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Clonidine induced hyperphagia and weight gain in monkeys
Psychopharmacology
|March 22, 1979
Summary
Clonidine, an alpha-noradrenergic receptor agonist, significantly increased food intake in macaque monkeys. Most monkeys treated with clonidine also experienced weight gain within one week.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Primate Research
Background:
- Alpha-noradrenergic receptors play a role in regulating appetite and metabolism.
- Understanding the effects of agonists on these receptors is crucial for metabolic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of clonidine, an alpha-noradrenergic receptor agonist, on food intake and body weight in adult Stumptail macaque monkeys.
Main Methods:
- Ten adult Stumptail macaque monkeys were administered intramuscular injections of 0.1 mg/kg clonidine HCl daily for seven consecutive days.
- Food intake and body weight were monitored throughout the treatment period.
Main Results:
- Clonidine administration led to a significant increase in food intake compared to baseline levels.
- Seven out of ten monkeys exhibited weight gain, ranging from 5% to 15% of their original body weight by the end of the week.
Conclusions:
- Clonidine stimulates appetite and promotes weight gain in Stumptail macaques.
- These findings suggest a potential role for alpha-noradrenergic pathways in the regulation of energy balance.