Reduced sensitivity to cholecystokinin in male rats fed a high-fat diet is reversible

Timothy D Swartz1, David M Savastano, Mihai Covasa

  • 1Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.

Insights

Male rat pups fed a high-fat (HF) diet show reduced sensitivity to cholecystokinin (CCK), impacting food intake regulation. This reduced sensitivity develops quickly and is linked to increased oral fat preference.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Nutrition
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Adult rats on high-fat (HF) diets exhibit reduced cholecystokinin (CCK) sensitivity.
  • CCK plays a crucial role in satiety and food intake regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if male rat pups fed a HF diet also display reduced CCK sensitivity.
  • To examine the development and extinction of CCK sensitivity changes.
  • To assess oral fat sensitivity in HF-fed rats.

Main Methods:

  • Male rat pups were fed isoenergetic low-fat (LF) or HF diets.
  • CCK was administered intraperitoneally to assess food intake suppression.
  • Dietary interventions were switched to evaluate sensitivity changes.
  • Brief access tests with corn oil were conducted using a gustometer.

Main Results:

  • HF-fed pups showed significantly less food intake suppression after CCK administration compared to LF-fed pups.
  • Rats switched from HF to LF diet regained CCK sensitivity within 4 weeks.
  • Rats switched from LF to HF diet lost CCK sensitivity within 2 weeks.
  • HF-fed rats exhibited increased oral sampling of corn oil at various concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • Male rat pups fed a HF diet develop reduced CCK sensitivity.
  • The development of reduced CCK sensitivity is faster than its extinction.
  • HF diet consumption increases oral sensitivity to fats in rats.

Related Concept Videos