Anti-obesity effect of SR141716, a CB1 receptor antagonist, in diet-induced obese mice

Christine Ravinet Trillou1, Michele Arnone, Claire Delgorge

  • 1Central Nervous System Research, Sanofi-Synthélabo, 31036 Toulouse Cedex, France. christine.ravinet-trillou@sanofi-synthelabo.com

Insights

The CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716 significantly reduced body weight and adiposity in diet-induced obesity mice. This compound shows potential as a novel anti-obesity treatment by influencing metabolic processes.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • The CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716 is known to modulate food intake in rodents.
  • Diet-induced obesity (DIO) models are widely used to study human obesity syndrome.
  • Understanding mechanisms for obesity treatment is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of SR141716 in reducing obesity in a DIO mouse model.
  • To explore the effects of SR141716 on food intake, body weight, adiposity, and metabolic parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of SR141716 (10 mg/kg/day and 3 mg/kg/day) orally to DIO mice for 5 weeks.
  • Assessment of food intake, body weight, adiposity, insulin resistance, and plasma levels of leptin, insulin, and free fatty acids.
  • Comparison of effects in CB1 receptor knockout mice and through pair-feeding studies.

Main Results:

  • SR141716 (10 mg/kg/day) induced a transient reduction in food intake (-48% at week 1) and sustained reduction in body weight (-20%) and adiposity (-50%).
  • The compound corrected insulin resistance and lowered plasma leptin, insulin, and free fatty acid levels.
  • Effects were dose-dependent and confirmed to be CB1 receptor-mediated, as SR141716 had no effect in knockout mice.

Conclusions:

  • SR141716 demonstrates significant potential as a novel anti-obesity treatment.
  • The compound's efficacy extends beyond appetite suppression, influencing metabolic processes.
  • Further research into SR141716 for obesity management is warranted.

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