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NPY and food intake: discrepancies in the model
S C Woods1, D P Figlewicz, L Madden
1Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA. s.woods@uc.campus.mci.net
Regulatory Peptides
|November 5, 1998
Summary
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) stimulates feeding but also causes illness and aversion. This suggests NPY
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is recognized as a key endogenous neurotransmitter regulating energy balance.
- Previous research strongly supports NPY's role in stimulating food intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complex effects of intraventricular (i.v.t.) NPY administration on feeding behavior.
- To explore potential aversive or illness-inducing sensations associated with NPY.
Main Methods:
- Administration of NPY via intraventricular injection in animal models.
- Assessment of feeding behavior, conditioned taste aversion, pica behavior (kaolin consumption), and sodium consumption.
Main Results:
- NPY administration at doses stimulating feeding also induced conditioned taste aversion and pica behavior.
- NPY suppressed sodium consumption and did not stimulate eating without preliminary food-seeking behaviors.
- The sensations induced by NPY may differ from those caused by food deprivation.
Conclusions:
- NPY's role in appetite regulation is more complex than solely orexigenic (appetite-stimulating).
- NPY can elicit aversive responses, suggesting a dual role in energy homeostasis.
- Caution is advised when interpreting NPY's effects as solely promoting feeding.