The Effect of Centrally Administered CCK-Receptor Antagonists on Food Intake in Rats

Cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors are classified as two subtypes, designated CCK(A) and CCK(B), and both subtypes are found in brain and peripheral tissues of rats. CCK-8 has been shown to act peripherally to reduce meal size, and this satiating action can be blocked by CCK(A)-receptor antagonists. Recent evidence suggests that, in addition to the peripheral action of CCK, central CCK mechanisms may also be involved in satiety. Central administration of proglumide, a mixed CCK-receptor antagonist (CCK(A) > CCK(B)) has been shown to increase food intake and block the satiating effect of peripherally administered CCK-8 (15). In an attempt to replicate and extend these results, rats were given injections of proglumide or selective CCK-receptor antagonists into the lateral ventricle prior to a peripheral injection of CCK-8 or saline. Only proglumide stimulated an increase in 30-min test meal intake and attenuated the satiating effect of CCK-8. Two selective CCK(A)-receptor antagonists, lorglumide and devazepide, did not increase intake significantly when given alone, and they did not attenuate the effect of peripherally administered CCK-8. The selective CCK(B)-receptor antagonist, L365,260, reduced intake at all doses tested except the lowest. The lowest dose did not increase intake when given alone and did not attenuate the inhibitory effect of CCK on test-meal intake. Finally, a combination of devazepide and L365,260 did not increase intake or block the effect of peripherally administered CCK-8. These results suggest that CCK released by neurons in the brain and acting on central CCK(A)- and CCK(B)-receptors is not necessary for the control of meal size or for the satiating effect of peripherally administered CCK-8 in rats under our experimental conditions.