CENTRAL ACTION OF BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTOR ON INGESTIVE BEHAVIOR IN MICE

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of basic Fibroblast growth fact or (FGF-2) at 50 ng/h for 5 days in male BALB/c mice suppressed the da ily intakes of water and food (n = 4). Intakes were reduced on the sec ond day, and were suppressed until the second day after stopping the i nfusion. The same infusion for 4 days had little effect on the high in takes of 0.3 M NaCl solution and water induced by prolonged ICV infusi on of angiotensin II, or the daily food intake in these experiments (n = 7). However, the same infusion for 3-4 days reduced the increased i ntake of NaCl solution in Na-depleted mice (n = 8), reduced the increa sed water intake of water-restricted mice (n = 6 or n = 7), and reduce d daily food intake in both experiments. Ventricular enlargement was n oted in mice at the end of these experiments but, for reasons advanced , did not appear to account for the responses. The results indicate th at FGF-2 may have an inhibitory role in these ingestive behaviours.