Administration of 8-oh-dpat in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus: Characterization of feeding behavior

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of 5-HT_1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT on the Behavioral Satiety Sequence (BSS) in rats. The 8-OH-DPAT was administered via central in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMN) in rats. The experimental subjects were kept under a dietary self-selection paradigm consisting of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Food and water were available all the time. Intra-VMN administration of 5-HT_1A agonist was associated with the selective increase in carbohydrate intake. The BSS analysis revealed that the administration of 8-OH-DPAT delayed the natural development of the BSS. The results lead to the conclusion that 5-HT_1A receptors in the NVH involved in the modulation of food intake, is discussed the possible involvement of interactions with other neurotransmitters systems.