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Feeding behavior during sialodacryoadenitis viral infection in rats
T Sato1, M M Meguid, R H Quinn
1Neuroscience Program, Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Surgery, SUNY, Upstate Medical University, University Hospital, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Physiology & Behavior
|May 5, 2001
Summary
Sialodacryoadenitis (SDA) in rats significantly reduces food intake, primarily by decreasing meal size, not meal frequency. This viral anorexia pattern differs from bacterial infections, suggesting unique underlying mechanisms beyond TNF-alpha.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Animal Nutrition
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Sialodacryoadenitis (SDA) is a common, contagious viral infection in rats.
- Anorexia, or reduced food intake, is a known symptom of viral infections.
- The specific feeding pattern changes during spontaneous SDA viral infections remain uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the feeding pattern changes during an opportunistic Sialodacryoadenitis viral infection in rats.
- To compare the anorexia mechanism in viral SDA to other conditions like bacterial infections.
Main Methods:
- Seven male rats were monitored for feeding behavior during a spontaneous SDA viral infection.
- Food intake, meal size, and meal number were recorded before and after infection.
- Statistical analysis was used to determine significant changes (P<.05).
Main Results:
- Food intake decreased by 68% post-SDA infection.
- This reduction was primarily driven by a 69% decrease in meal size (P<.05).
- Meal number showed a nonsignificant decrease (P=.71).
Conclusions:
- Sialodacryoadenitis viral infection in rats causes anorexia mainly through reduced meal size.
- This feeding pattern differs from anorexia induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide, which primarily reduces meal number.
- Factors beyond Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha likely mediate anorexia during viral infections.