PERIPHERALLY ADMINISTERED CALCITONIN-GENE-RELATED PEPTIDE DECREASES FOOD-INTAKE IN MICE

Previously, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) decreased food inta ke when administered ICV but not when administered peripherally to rat s. Amylin, which has a close structural homology to CGRP, reduced food intake administered IP at concentrations higher than those previously tested for CGRP. We examined the effects of higher doses of IP-admini stered CGRP on food intake. CGRP reduced food intake from 25 to 200 mu g/kg in mice. CGRP did not reduce water intake and was not aversive i n a two-bottle test. Using a lever press, CGRP was more effective at r educing milk consumption in prefed than in nonprefed mice. The effect of CGRP on food intake was not antagonized by the cholecystokinin A re ceptor antagonist, L364,718. These studies suggest a role for CGRP as a satiating factor.