Related Experiment Videos
Effect of K+ channel modulation on mouse feeding behaviour
C Ghelardini1, N Galeotti, A Pecori Vettori
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Italy. bartolin@stat.ds.unifi.it
European Journal of Pharmacology
|June 18, 1997
Summary
Central K+ channels regulate food intake. Antagonists reduced appetite, while openers increased it, suggesting K+ channels are key to controlling eating behaviors in mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Potassium (K+) channels are crucial for neuronal function.
- Their role in regulating feeding behavior is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of central K+ channels in the regulation of food intake.
- To determine if K+ channel modulation affects appetite and feeding behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Administration of K+ channel antagonists and openers intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) in mice.
- Use of antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide to target mKv1.1 gene expression.
- Assessment of food intake, motor coordination (rotarod test), and inspection activity (hole-board test).
- Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to confirm target gene modulation.
Main Results:
- K+ channel antagonists (glucose, tetraethylammonium, apamin) decreased food intake, similar to anorectic drugs.
- K+ channel openers (minoxidil, pinacidil) increased food intake, comparable to orectic agents.
- Antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide against mKv1.1 dose-dependently increased food intake.
- No significant changes in motor coordination or inspection activity were observed.
Conclusions:
- Central K+ channel function is fundamental in regulating food intake in mice.
- Modulation of K+ channels offers a potential target for managing appetite and feeding disorders.