Opioid modulation of ingestive behaviors in the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus)

Feeding and drinking behavior were studied in deprived or sated spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) at various time intervals following peripheral administration of naloxone hydrochloride and butorphanol tartrate. Naloxone attenuated both food and water intake, but not latency to respond, indicating existence of functional opioid-sensitive feeding and drinking systems in this species. Butorphanol tartrate, a mixed opioid agonist/antagonist produced a dose-related enhancement or suppression of feeding, the former naloxone reversible, but had no measureable effect on drinking.