EVIDENCE FOR A PHYSIOLOGICAL-ROLE OF CENTRAL CALCITONIN-GENE-RELATED PEPTIDE (CGRP) RECEPTORS IN THE CONTROL OF FOOD-INTAKE IN RATS

In the present study, we investigated the role of central calcitonin g ene-related peptide (CGRP) and amylin receptors in mediating the anore ctic effects of CGRP and amylin in rats chronically cannulated in the lateral brain ventricle. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of th e CGRP and amylin receptor antagonist CGRP(8-37) failed to influence t he anorectic effects of peripherally injected CGRP and amylin. CGRP(8- 37) alone, however, increased food intake in food deprived rats when a dministered 2 h before food presentation. Under the same experimental conditions, the more specific amylin receptor antagonists amylin(8-37) or AC 187 did not affect food intake. We therefore conclude, that CGR P is a physiological regulator of food intake within the central nervo us system, acting at central CGRP receptors. Peripheral receptors, how ever, are likely to mediate the anorectic effects of peripherally admi nistered amylin and CGRP. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.