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Transient hyperphagia after sodium selenite injection in mice
1Department of Human Ecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Toxicology Letters
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Sodium selenite (SS) injections in male mice stimulate appetite and increase food intake, particularly when administered in the early morning. This effect is temperature-dependent, occurring at cooler temperatures but not at body temperature.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The role of specific compounds in regulating appetite and feeding behavior is a key area of research.
- Understanding the physiological triggers for hunger and satiety is crucial for addressing metabolic and eating disorders.
- Sodium selenite (SS) is a selenium compound with known biological effects, but its impact on feeding initiation requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of subcutaneous injections of sodium selenite (SS) on the initiation of feeding behavior in male mice.
- To explore potential modulatory factors such as time of day, ambient temperature, and SS dosage on SS-induced feeding.
- To correlate SS-induced hyperphagia with other physiological responses, such as hypothermia.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous injections of varying doses of sodium selenite (20-30 mumol/kg) were administered to male mice.
- Feeding initiation and duration were monitored post-injection.
- Food intake was quantified using gastric content analysis at specific time points.
- Experiments were conducted at different times of day and ambient temperatures (10, 22, and 37 degrees C).
Main Results:
- SS injection (20-30 mumol/kg) reliably initiated feeding in mice approximately 20 minutes after administration, lasting for about 3 hours.
- Early morning injections of SS (30 mumol/kg) resulted in significantly increased food intake compared to daytime injections.
- SS-induced transient hyperphagia was observed at ambient temperatures of 10 and 22 degrees C, but was absent at 37 degrees C.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous sodium selenite administration acts as a potent stimulus for feeding initiation in male mice.
- The appetite-stimulating effect of SS is influenced by the time of day and ambient temperature, suggesting complex physiological regulation.
- These findings provide a basis for further research into the mechanisms underlying SS-induced hyperphagia and its potential relationship with hypothermia.