查看文章

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Infusion of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF)/urocortin (Ucn) family peptides suppresses feeding in mice. We examined whether rats show peripheral CRF/Ucn‐induced anorexia and determined its behavioural and pharmacological bases.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male Wistar rats (n= 5–12 per group) were administered (i.p.) CRF receptor agonists with different subtype affinities. Food intake, formation of conditioned taste aversion and corticosterone levels were assessed. In addition, Ucn 1‐ and Ucn 2‐induced anorexia was studied in fasted CRF₂ knockout (n= 11) and wild‐type (n= 13) mice.

KEY RESULTS Ucn 1, non‐selective CRF receptor agonist, reduced food intake most potently (∼0.32 nmol·kg⁻¹) and efficaciously (up to 70% reduction) in fasted and fed rats. The peptides' rank‐order of anorexic potency was Ucn 1 ≥ Ucn 2 > >stressin₁‐A > Ucn 3, and efficacy …