Low dose-response for 2-deoxy-D-glucose-induced feeding, and the involvement of peripheral factors

Latencies to feed and meal sizes were observed in recently satiated rats injected intraperitoneally with an isotonic solution of 2-deoxyglucose, using 3-0-methyl glucose for the control injection. The feeding response latency shortened monotonically with dose from about 0.3 mmole/kg (50 mg/kg) to 0.5-0.6 mmole/kg, with an extended plateau up to dehilitating doses. At modest doses, the latency to feed was shorter in adrenal demedullated rats than in intact rats, suggesting that the hyperglycemic response to 2DG partially inhibits the feeding response. Food-deprived rats took larger meals following 2DG injection, if there had been recent rapid intestinal absorption of glucose. It is suggested that a major action of 2DG is to block the satiating consequences of the process of absorption, possibly at hepatic receptors.