Induction of ventrolateral hypothalamic fatty acid oxidation in diabetic rats

Diabetic rats were used to test a previous hypothesis that alterations in ventrolateral hypothalamic (VLH) fatty acid oxidation observed in over- and underfed rats were a function of the animals' peripheral energy balance and not merely a function of their energy intake. Standard adaptations to the diabetic condition were exhibited in streptozotocin diabetic rats such as depressed body weights, hyperphagia and hyperglycemia, elevated serum free fatty acids, depressed insulin concentrations, depressed hepatic glucose oxidation and elevated hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Rates of VLH fatty acid oxidation to CO2 and to an acid, water-soluble fraction in diabetic rats were elevated relative to non-diabetic rats. The alterations in VLH fatty acid oxidation in diabetic rats were similar to changes previously observed in animals exhibiting a negative energy balance. The results were discussed with respect to the concept that VLH fatty acid oxidation was a component in the recognition of peripheral energy balance and, in part, served to alter the regulators of energy balance and food intake.