To investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on food intake in the c
hicken, L-N-G-nitro-arginine methyl ester HCl (L-NNA), an inhibitor of
NO synthase, was applied. When i.p. administered, L-NNA significantly
inhibited the food intake of broiler chickens in a dose response mann
er. Food ingestion was also depressed by the i.c.v. injection of L-NNA
in a dose response fashion. The effect of L-NNA was attenuated by i.c
.v. administration of L-arginine. These results suggest that central N
O may control feeding behavior in the chicken.