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Intra-supraoptic nucleus sulpiride improves anorexia in tumor-bearing rats
T Sato1, S O Fetissov, M M Meguid
1Neuroscience Program, Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University Hospital, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Abstract:
Previous studies suggest that the dopaminergic system in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) is involved not only in the water balance control but also in the food intake regulation. Since we reported that an injection of the D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride, into specific hypothalamic nuclei (e.g. the LHA, or the VMN) increases food intake in anorectic tumor-bearing rats, as well as in normal rats, we hypothesized that an injection of sulpiride into the SON would also improve cancer anorexia. Sulpiride injection (4 microg/0.5 microl) into bilateral SON of anorectic tumor-bearing male rats significantly improved food intake via increases in both meal size and meal number. These data suggest that pharmacological manipulation of the hypothalamic dopaminergic system is feasible in amelioration of cancer anorexia.
Insights
Injecting sulpiride into the supraoptic nucleus (SON) significantly increased food intake in tumor-bearing rats. This suggests targeting the hypothalamic dopaminergic system can help manage cancer anorexia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- The dopaminergic system in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) influences water balance and food intake.
- Previous research showed D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride increases food intake in anorectic rats when injected into other hypothalamic nuclei.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if sulpiride injection into the SON could alleviate cancer anorexia in tumor-bearing rats.
Main Methods:
- Sulpiride (4 microg/0.5 microl) was injected into the bilateral SON of anorectic tumor-bearing male rats.
- Food intake was monitored, analyzing meal size and meal number.
Main Results:
- Sulpiride injection into the SON significantly improved food intake in tumor-bearing rats.
- This improvement was attributed to increases in both meal size and meal frequency.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological manipulation of the hypothalamic dopaminergic system, specifically within the SON, is a viable strategy for ameliorating cancer anorexia.
- Targeting the SON offers a potential therapeutic avenue for managing appetite loss in cancer patients.