Voraciousness induced in cats by benzodiazepines

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Animal Behavior
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Appetite regulation is complex, involving various neurochemical pathways.
• Benzodiazepines are known for their anxiolytic effects, but their impact on feeding behavior requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of benzodiazepines on food consumption in cats.
• To compare the potency of benzodiazepines with pentobarbital in stimulating appetite.

Main Methods:

• Fasting and food-satiated cats were administered different benzodiazepines.
• Food intake quantity and ingestion rate were measured.
• Pentobarbital was used as a comparative agent.

Main Results:

• Benzodiazepines markedly increased both the amount of food eaten and the rate of ingestion in fasting cats.
• In food-satiated cats, benzodiazepines induced voracious resumption of eating.
• Pentobarbital stimulated food intake but was significantly less potent than the tested benzodiazepines.

Conclusions:

• Benzodiazepines are potent stimulators of appetite and food intake in cats.
• These findings suggest a significant role for benzodiazepine receptors in the central control of feeding behavior in felines.
• Further research may explore the therapeutic potential of these agents in appetite-related disorders in animals.