FOOD-ASSOCIATED DRINKING IN PYGMY GOATS - IMPORTANCE OF HISTAMINE-RECEPTORS

The combined effect of the histamine receptor antagonists Dexbrompheni ramine (DXB:H-1-receptor antagonist) and Cimetidine (C:H-2-receptor an tagonist) on food and water intake was investigated in pygmy goats. DX B (1 mg/kg BW0.75) and C (16 mg/kg BW0.75) were injected together intr aperitoneally (i.p.). Cumulative food and water intake, as well as mea l and draft pattern, were recorded. DXB and C significantly reduced cu mulative water intake, whereas cumulative food intake did not change. Water to food ratio was also significantly diminished. Draft frequency and the percentage of drafts associated with meals were significantly reduced during the 6h post injection, while meal frequency and meal s ize did not change during this period. The results show that blockade of the H-1- and H-2-histamine receptors attenuates the association bet ween water and food intake in pygmy goats. Therefore, mechanisms respo nsible for meal-associated drinking seem to depend upon activation of histamine receptors.