Effect of intragastric and intravenous ethanol on food intake in rats

The effects of a continuous intragastric (via a gastrostomy) and intravenous (via an indwelling jugular catheter) infusion of 3% ethanol at 3 ml/h on food intake was examined in rats randomly assigned to a two period crossover study. The 3% ethanol solution provided 19 kcal/day, which was equivalent to about 50% of the daily caloric intake of the rats. Ethanol significantly decreased food intake irrespective of the route administered. But, reduction in food intake did not result in a calorie-to-calorie compensation. Instead, providing 50% of calories as 3% ethanol via the intragastric route led to a 16% reduction in food intake, while only a 9% reduction in food intake occurred when the 3% ethanol solution was given intravenously.