Dopaminergic mechanisms in diet-induced thermogenesis and brown adipose tissue metabolism

The role of dopamine (DA) in diet-induced thermogenesis was examined. DA was found in, and released from the sympathetic nerves supplying brown adipose tissue. However, the release of DA was only approximately 10% of that of noradrenaline. No significant re-uptake of DA was observed. Hyperphagic, cafeteria-fed rats exhibited higher rates of resting oxygen consumption (VO2) and increased DA release and turnover in brown adipose tissue relative to control animals. Pimozide completely abolished the difference in VO2 between the two groups and DA (0.5 mg . kg-1 s.c.) stimulated VO2 in control and cafeteria animals.