EFFECT OF L364.718 DURING SUCKLING ON THE SENSITIVITY TO THE HYPOPHAGIC EFFECT OF CHOLECYSTOKININ IN ADULT-RATS

1. In the present study it was investigated whether drugs acting at th e cholecystokinin (CCK)-A receptor given to rat pups may result in lon g-lasting changes in body weight or regulation of food intake controll ed by CCK. 2. From day 3 to day 10 of Life, male and female Wistar rat pups were treated with the CCK-A receptor antagonist L-364.718 and th e CCK-A+B agonist CCK-8S. 3. In adult rats, treated with L364.718 duri ng suckling, the sensitivity to the acute hypophagic action of CCK-8S was weaker or abolished compared to adults treated with saline during suckling. In adult rats given CCK-8S during suckling acute treatment w ith CCK-8S reduced food intake to the same extent as in the group trea ted with saline postnatally. 4. These data show that early postnatal t reatment with the CCK-A receptor antagonist L364.718 has an impact on the hypophagic response to CCK-8S in later life.