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Vagotomy reduces obesity in MSG-treated rats
S L Balbo1, P C Mathias, M L Bonfleur
1Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, State University of Maringá, PR, Brazil.
Research Communications in Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology
|April 18, 2002
Summary
Vagus nerve activity may influence obesity development in rats treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG). Vagotomy reduced fat accumulation in MSG-induced obesity, suggesting vagotonia plays a role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) administration in early life can induce obesity in rodents.
- The role of vagus nerve activity in the development of MSG-induced obesity is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of vagus nerve activity in the onset of MSG-induced obesity.
- To determine if vagotomy affects body weight, food intake, or fat accumulation in MSG-treated rats.
Main Methods:
- 30-day-old rats were administered MSG and then underwent either vagotomy or sham surgery.
- Body weight, food intake, naso-anal length, and fat pad weights were measured until 90 days of age.
- The Lee index was calculated to assess obesity levels.
Main Results:
- MSG-treated rats exhibited reduced body weight and naso-anal length at 30 days old, with obesity indicated by an increased Lee index by 90 days.
- Vagotomy did not alter body weight gain or food intake in MSG-treated rats.
- Vagotomy significantly reduced fat accumulation in the periepididymal and retroperitoneal tissues of MSG-treated rats.
Conclusions:
- MSG-induced obesity in rats is not primarily driven by increased food intake.
- Vagotomy mitigates fat accumulation in MSG-induced obesity, suggesting a role for vagus nerve activity in the early stages of this condition.