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Central melanocortin receptors mediate changes in food intake in the rhesus macaque

F H Koegler1, K L Grove, A Schiffmacher

  • 1Divisions of Reproductive Biology, Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton 97006, USA. koeglerf@ohsu.edu

Endocrinology
|May 18, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Stimulating melanocortin receptors suppresses food intake, while blocking them increases it. This study shows central melanocortin receptors regulate primate feeding behavior and energy balance.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3-R, MC4-R) regulate food intake in rodents.
  • Agouti-related protein antagonizes MC3-R and MC4-R, increasing food intake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of melanocortin receptor modulation on feeding behavior in primates.
  • To assess the impact of fasting on POMC gene expression in the primate hypothalamus.

Main Methods:

  • Administered NDP-MSH (alphaMSH analog) and agouti-related protein via lateral cerebral ventricle infusion in adult male rhesus macaques.
  • Assessed feeding behavior and nonfeeding behaviors.
  • Used in situ hybridization to measure hypothalamic POMC gene expression after fasting.

Main Results:

  • NDP-MSH dose-dependently suppressed meal intake without affecting other behaviors.
  • Agouti-related protein stimulated food intake during a scheduled meal.
  • Fasting for 48 hours or missing one meal reduced POMC gene expression in the arcuate nucleus.

Conclusions:

  • Central melanocortin receptors acutely regulate food intake in primates.
  • The central melanocortinergic system plays a physiological role in regulating energy balance in primate species.

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