Neuroleptic-like anorexia produced by an extra-cerebral DA antagonist

The effects of the DA receptor antagonists metoclopramide and pimozide on food and water intake in male Sprague Dawley rats were compared to those of domperidone, which does not cross the blood-brain barrier, in an attempt to determine whether any extracerebral DA receptors participate in neuroleptic induced anorexia. While metoclopramide caused only minor changes in food and water intake at the doses employed both pimozide and domperidone caused a significant reduction in food intake and water consumption 1 hr and 4 hr after injection during a 4 hr intake test. These results support the hypothesis that the nigrostriatal system may not be the system principally involved in the neuroleptic induced anorexia which occurs after the administration of these drugs.