Anorexia induced in rat by D-glucosamine deoxidized at C-1

The effects of D-glucosamine (2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose), an endogenous glucose analogue, and 1-deoxy-D-glucosamine on feeding behavior were clarified. Test solutions (24 mumol) were infused into the third cerebroventricle of the rat. Glucosamine induced a feeding episode within 30 min after infusion and then prolonged the ensuing postprandial intermeal interval for the first 4 h of the dark period, while glucose suppressed feeding by decreasing meal size. Ventricular injection of 1-deoxyglucosamine potently suppressed feeding in a dose-related manner by affecting all meal parameters, and oral administration of 2,400 mumol also induced anorexia. Changes in activity of glucose-sensitive neurons in the lateral hypothalamus and glucoreceptor neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus after electrophoretic application of glucosamine and 1-deoxyglucosamine were compatible with behavior changes. The results indicate that replacement of a hydroxyl group by an amino group at C-2 of the glucose molecule affects feeding behavior and deoxidation of C-1 potently induces anorexia.