Anandamide induces overeating: mediation by central cannabinoid (CB1) receptors

• DOI: 10.1007/s002130050953
• Publication Date: 2002-08-25T03:47:25Z
• Authors: Claire M. Williams; T. C. Kirkham
• Keywords: Anandamide; Overeating

Central cannabinoid systems have been implicated in appetite regulation by the respective hyperphagic actions of exogenous cannabinoids, such as delta9-THC, and hypophagic effects of selective cannabinoid receptor antagonists.This study examined whether an endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, could induce overeating, via a specific action at central (CB1) cannabinoid receptors.Pre-satiated male rats (n=18), received subcutaneous injections of anandamide (0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg) before 3-h, nocturnal food intake tests. In a second series of intake tests (n=8), anandamide injection (1.0 mg/kg) was preceded by injection of the specific CB1 receptor antagonist, SR141716 (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 mg/kg SC).All doses of anandamide induced significant overeating, with 1.0 mg/kg being most potent. Additionally, hyperphagia induced by 1.0 mg/kg anandamide was dose-dependently attenuated by SR141716 pretreatment.This first demonstration of anandamide-induced, CB -mediated, overeating provides important evidence for the involvement of a central cannabinoid system in the normal control of eating.