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Hepatic vagus does not mediate IL-1 alpha induced anorexia
A Laviano1, Z J Yang, M M Meguid
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse 13210, USA.
Neuroreport
|July 10, 1995
Summary
Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) reduces appetite. This study found that the hepatic vagus nerve does not play a role in IL-1 alpha-induced anorexia, as food intake was similarly affected in rats with and without vagotomy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Peripheral administration of Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) is known to suppress food intake.
- The liver, innervated by the vagus nerve, is implicated in modulating eating behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the hepatic vagus nerve in the mechanism of IL-1 alpha-induced anorexia.
Main Methods:
- Male Fischer 344 rats underwent either hepatic vagotomy (HX-IL-1 group) or sham operation (Sham-IL-1 group).
- Rats received intravenous infusions of IL-1 alpha or saline via an internal jugular catheter.
- Food intake was monitored during IL-1 alpha and subsequent saline infusions.
Main Results:
- IL-1 alpha infusion similarly reduced food intake in both vagotomized and sham-operated rats.
- Following cessation of IL-1 alpha, food intake normalized at comparable rates in both groups.
- These findings suggest the hepatic vagus nerve is not essential for IL-1 alpha-induced anorexia.
Conclusions:
- The hepatic vagus nerve is not critically involved in the anorexia caused by peripheral IL-1 alpha administration.
- This study clarifies the neural pathways mediating appetite suppression by inflammatory cytokines.