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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Intermittent Binge-Intake Model in Mice
Published on: January 10, 2025
Chronic administration of olanzapine affects Behavioral Satiety Sequence and feeding behavior in female mice
R Coccurello1, F R D'Amato, A Moles
1Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (C.N.R.), 00143 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to assess the effects of chronic olanzapine (Ola) administration on feeding behavior. Although atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) have greatly improved the management of schizophrenia and extrapyramidal symptoms, substantial bodies of literature point out that most of these agents are highly related to a major risk of metabolic drawbacks, leading to dyslipidemia and obesity. Among these compounds, Ola is one of the more weight gain-inducing AAPs. In the present study, we analyzed the Behavioral Satiety Sequence (BSS) in female mice given a palatable diet (wet mash) and chronically administered Ola (0.75, 1.5, 3 mg/kg per os) for 36 days. The results showed that administration of the highest dose of Ola postponed the onset of satiation, as suggested by the rightward shift of the BSS. This effect was confirmed by an increase in the actual food intake by the Ola (3 mg/kg) mice. These results suggest that one of the possible mechanisms involved in AAPinduced weight gain is alteration of the hunger-satiety regulation in female mice. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that enhanced food intake and diminished central sensitivity to satiation signaling may cooperate in promoting weight gain and metabolic dysregulation in rodents and patients taking antipsychotic medications.
Insights
Chronic olanzapine (Ola) administration in female mice delayed satiety and increased food intake, suggesting altered hunger-satiety regulation contributes to weight gain from atypical antipsychotics (AAPs).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) improve schizophrenia management but are linked to metabolic issues like obesity.
- Olanzapine (Ola) is a notable AAP associated with significant weight gain.
- Understanding the mechanisms behind AAP-induced weight gain is crucial for patient health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic olanzapine administration on feeding behavior in female mice.
- To analyze the Behavioral Satiety Sequence (BSS) following olanzapine treatment.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking olanzapine to weight gain via appetite regulation.
Main Methods:
- Female mice received chronic oral administration of olanzapine (0.75, 1.5, 3 mg/kg) for 36 days.
- A palatable wet mash diet was used to assess feeding behavior.
- The Behavioral Satiety Sequence (BSS) was analyzed to measure satiation onset.
Main Results:
- The highest dose of olanzapine (3 mg/kg) significantly postponed satiation onset, indicated by a rightward shift in the BSS.
- Olanzapine (3 mg/kg) administration led to a confirmed increase in actual food intake.
- These findings suggest olanzapine alters the regulation of hunger and satiety.
Conclusions:
- Chronic olanzapine administration can disrupt hunger-satiety regulation in female mice.
- Altered food intake and reduced sensitivity to satiety signals may contribute to olanzapine-induced weight gain.
- These results support the hypothesis that impaired appetite regulation is a key factor in metabolic dysregulation associated with AAPs.
