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Changes in Behavior and Blood Corticosterone Level in Male and Female Rats after Single Administration of Obestatin
E S Motorykina1, E A Khirazova2, M V Maslova2
1Department of Human and Animal Physiology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia. motorykina.katerina@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Single administration of the obestatin fragment 1-4 (300 nmol/kg) to male Wistar rats produced a significant weight loss in male rats on observation days 5-8, while in female rats only on day 8. In addition, males demonstrated decreased risk factor in the elevated plus-maze test, but no effect of the preparation on behavior of female rats was revealed. Obestatin fragment 1-4 had no effect on corticosterone level 1 week after single administration in both females and male rats.
Insights
The obestatin fragment 1-4 induced weight loss and reduced anxiety in male rats. Female rats showed minimal effects, indicating sex-specific responses to this obestatin fragment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Obestatin, a peptide hormone, plays a role in regulating energy homeostasis and stress.
- The specific fragment obestatin 1-4's physiological and behavioral effects, particularly sex-dependent differences, require further elucidation.
- Understanding obestatin's impact is crucial for potential therapeutic applications in metabolic and anxiety disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a single administration of obestatin fragment 1-4 on body weight, anxiety-like behavior, and corticosterone levels in male and female Wistar rats.
- To determine potential sex-specific differences in the response to obestatin fragment 1-4.
- To assess the impact of obestatin fragment 1-4 on stress-related physiological markers.
Main Methods:
- Single subcutaneous administration of obestatin fragment 1-4 (300 nmol/kg) to adult male and female Wistar rats.
- Monitoring of body weight changes on observation days 5-8 post-administration.
- Assessment of anxiety-like behavior using the elevated plus-maze test.
- Measurement of serum corticosterone levels one week after administration.
Main Results:
- Obestatin fragment 1-4 significantly reduced body weight in male rats from day 5 to 8 and in female rats on day 8.
- Male rats exhibited decreased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze test, while female rats showed no significant behavioral changes.
- No significant effect on corticosterone levels was observed in either sex one week after obestatin fragment 1-4 administration.
Conclusions:
- Obestatin fragment 1-4 demonstrates sex-specific effects on body weight and anxiety-like behavior in Wistar rats.
- The observed effects suggest a potential role for obestatin 1-4 in modulating energy balance and stress responses, particularly in males.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying these sex differences and the long-term effects of obestatin fragment 1-4.
