THIP inhibits feeding behavior in fasted rats

The effects of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo-[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP) were compared with those of d-amphetamine and GABA in fasted rats. Intravenously-administered THIP produced a dose-dependent decrease in food consumption (ED50 congruent to 1.5 mg/kg) by an action that was not reversed by prior subcutaneous or simultaneous intravenous (IV) injection of bicuculline. d-Amphetamine-SO4 also produced a decrease in food consumption in this model (ED50 congruent to 0.2 mg/kg, IV). Unlike THIP, GABA (in doses up to 100 mg/kg, IV) did not produce a marked anorexigenic effect. These results provide further evidence that THIP can penetrate the "blood-brain barrier", and that central GABA-ergic systems are involved in controlling food intake.