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Modulation of eating by central catecholamine systems.
1Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4235, USA. PJW@PSYC.TAMU.EDU
Current Drug Targets
|March 22, 2005
Summary
This review explores how dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) influence eating behaviors. These catecholamines play key roles in feeding reinforcement and appetite regulation, with complex interactions affecting ingestive behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endogenous catecholamines, dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE), are crucial neuromodulators.
- These catecholamines are implicated in regulating various physiological processes, including ingestive behavior.
- Understanding their roles in feeding is essential for addressing eating disorders and appetite regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the modulatory effects of dopamine and norepinephrine on eating behavior.
- To examine how pharmacological and genomic manipulations of catecholamine systems impact ingestive behavior.
- To explore the interplay between dopamine and norepinephrine systems in the context of feeding and psychostimulant action.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on catecholamine systems and ingestive behavior.
- Analysis of studies involving pharmacological and genetic manipulations of dopamine and norepinephrine.
- Examination of research on adrenoceptor subtypes and their role in eating.
- Investigation of interactions between dopamine and norepinephrine systems.
Main Results:
- Dopamine is a key component of brain reinforcement systems, potentially influencing the reinforcing aspects of feeding.
- Norepinephrine exhibits dual roles in eating, with evidence linking distinct adrenoceptor subtypes to appetite stimulation and suppression.
- Interactions between norepinephrine and dopamine systems may augment the effects of psychostimulants and influence their appetite-suppressing properties.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine and norepinephrine significantly modulate eating behavior through distinct and interacting pathways.
- Specific adrenoceptor subtypes mediate the appetite-modulating effects of norepinephrine.
- Catecholamine interactions are critical for understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of feeding and the appetite-suppressing effects of psychostimulants.