The role of brain norepinephrine in the anorexic effects of dextroamphetamine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors in the rat

✍ Scribed by Stephen G. Holtzman; Robert E. Jewett

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1971
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 643 KB
• Volume: 22
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0033-3158
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00403623

✦ Synopsis

The effects of d-amphetamine on food and water intake and brain monoamine concentrations in rats that had been deprived of food and water for 24 h were compared with those of two MAO inhibitors: tranylcypromine which has prominent amphetamine-like activity; and, pargyline which does net. All drugs produced dose-related depressions of food and water intake. The anorexic effects of the MAO inhibitors were correlated, over a 16-fold dose range, with elevated levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. The anorexic effect of d-amphetamine was blocked by cr an inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis. ~-Methyltyrosine failed to block the depression of food and water intake caused by the ~AO inhibitors, although the rise in catecholamine levels was prevented. It was concluded that the mechanisms by which d-amphetamlne produces anorexia may differ from those of the MAO inhibitors. Central adrenergic mediation appears to play a role in the anorexic activity of d-amphetamine, but may not be essential for the anorexic effect of tranylcypromine and pargyline.