Involvement of corticosterone in the fasting-induced rise in protein utilization and locomotor activity

During fasting, most of the energy is derived from lipids whereas proteins are efficiently spared. However, there is a late rise in net protein utilization. Fasting is also associated with an increase in locomotor activity. Because the plasma corticosterone level increases concomitantly with these metabolic and behavioral changes, the involvement of corticosterone has been hypothesized. To test this, the net protein utilization and locomotor activity were investigated in fasted adrenalectomized (Adx) rats, with or without replacement with corticosterone, and in fasted intact rats treated with RU486, an antagonist of type II glucocorticoid receptors. During the phase of fasting characterized by protein sparing, urine nitrogen loss was further reduced in Adx rats and in RU486-treated controls compared with intact rats and with Adx rats with corticosterone replacement: this indicates a catabolic effect of corticosterone through type II receptors. In the last phase of fasting, the rise in net protein breakdown was suppressed in Adx rats and restored by corticosterone replacement. The increase in locomotor activity induced by fasting in controls was suppressed in Adx and restored by corticosterone replacement. This rise in running activity was still present in RU486-treated rats. In conclusion, this study shows that corticosterone plays a critical role in the changes of both protein catabolism and locomotor activity during prolonged fasting.