Devazepide increases food intake in male but not female Zucker rats

The genetically obese Zucker rat (fa/fa) is hyperphagic compared to lean controls (Fa/?). This hyperphagia is characterized by increased meal size. Cholecystokinin (CCK) has been shown to decrease meal size in many species including humans. In the present study we investigated the role of endogenous CCK in mediating the hyperphagia of male and female obese Zucker rats. CCKA-type receptors were blocked with the specific antagonist, devazepide, and test meal size was measured. Male obese and lean rats significantly increased food intake following devazepide. Neither obese nor lean female rats significantly increased food intake following devazepide. This is the first demonstration of a gender difference in endogenous CCK-mediated satiety. These results have implications for the higher incidence of eating disorders in females.