Cannabinoids and Feeding: How They Work
Author Information
Author(s): Sinnayah Puspha, Jobst Erin E., Rathner Joseph A., Caldera-Siu Angela D., Tonelli-Lemos Luciana, Eusterbrock Aaron J., Enriori Pablo J., Pothos Emmanuel N., Grove Kevin L., Cowley Michael A.
Primary Institution: Oregon Health & Science University
Hypothesis
Do cannabinoids affect feeding behavior independently of the melanocortin system?
Conclusion
Cannabinoids influence feeding behavior through the reward system rather than the melanocortin system.
Supporting Evidence
- Both cannabinoid agonists and antagonists affected feeding behavior in both wildtype and agouti yellow mice.
- Activation of the reward system was shown to be crucial for cannabinoid-induced feeding.
- c-Fos expression indicated brain activation in areas related to reward and feeding.
- Results showed no significant differences in feeding responses between the two mouse genotypes.
Takeaway
Cannabinoids can make you feel hungry, and they do this by affecting the brain's reward system, not the part that controls energy balance.
Methodology
The study used both wildtype and agouti yellow mice to assess the effects of cannabinoid agonists and antagonists on feeding behavior and brain activation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in interpreting results due to the specific focus on cannabinoid effects without considering other factors influencing feeding behavior.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on two mouse genotypes, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Adult male C57BL/6J and Agouti B6.Cg-Ay/J mice.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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