Inhibition of food intake by CRF in chickens

The effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of corticotrophin rel easing factor (CRF) on food and water intake and on body temperature in chi ckens was determined. Both broiler and Leghorn type chickens were utilized in this experiment. A stainless steel guide cannula was surgically implante d into the right lateral ventricle of each bird. The ICV injection of CRF s ignificantly decreased food intake in both fed and overnight-fasted broiler s and Leghorns. Water intake was decreased by CRF in Leghorns but not broil ers. When CRF was injected into Leghorns given access to water, but not foo d, water intake was not affected. Body temperature was not affected by the ICV injection of CRF. These results suggest that CRF acts within the centra l nervous system of chickens to decrease food intake while having no affect on water intake or body temperature. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.