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Diazepam-induced feeding in captive gray wolves (Canis lupus)
T J Kreeger1, A S Levine, U S Seal
1Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Diazepam, a common sedative, significantly increased feeding behavior in satiated gray wolves in a dose-dependent manner. Benzodiazepine antagonists and inverse agonists did not block this diazepam-induced hyperphagia.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Animal Behavior
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are known for their anxiolytic and sedative effects.
- Their influence on feeding behavior, particularly in wild canids, is not fully understood.
- Investigating the effects of diazepam on feeding can provide insights into appetite regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if diazepam stimulates feeding in satiated gray wolves.
- To examine the dose-dependent effects of diazepam on food intake.
- To investigate the role of benzodiazepine receptors in diazepam-induced feeding.
Main Methods:
- Gray wolves were administered varying doses of diazepam (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg/kg).
- Feeding behavior was observed in sated animals.
- Benzodiazepine antagonist (beta-CCP) and inverse agonist (beta-CCE) were tested to block diazepam's effects.
- Naive wolves were given diazepam to assess initial feeding responses.
Main Results:
- Diazepam induced feeding in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001).
- Neither beta-CCP nor beta-CCE significantly reduced diazepam-induced hyperphagia (p = 0.36, p = 0.85).
- Naive wolves readily consumed food after diazepam administration (5/6 wolves, p = 0.003).
Conclusions:
- Diazepam reliably stimulates feeding in satiated gray wolves.
- The mechanism of diazepam-induced hyperphagia in wolves may not solely involve typical benzodiazepine receptor pathways.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications or highlight novel neurobiological pathways for appetite control in canids.