Activation of Central Melanocortin Pathways by Fenfluramine

doi:10.1126/SCIENCE.1072327

Paper

Activation of Central Melanocortin Pathways by Fenfluramine

Published Jul 26, 2002 · L. Heisler, M. Cowley, L. Tecott

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18

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Abstract

D-fenfluramine (d-FEN) was once widely prescribed and was among the most effective weight loss drugs, but was withdrawn from clinical use because of reports of cardiac complications in a subset of patients. Discerning the neurobiology underlying the anorexic action of d-FEN may facilitate the development of new drugs to prevent and treat obesity. Through a combination of functional neuroanatomy, feeding, and electrophysiology studies in rodents, we show that d-FEN–induced anorexia requires activation of central nervous system melanocortin pathways. These results provide a mechanistic explanation of d-FEN's anorexic actions and indicate that drugs targeting these downstream melanocortin pathways may prove to be effective and more selective anti-obesity treatments.

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Study Snapshot

D-fenfluramine induces anorexia by activating central nervous system melanocortin pathways, suggesting that drugs targeting these pathways may be effective and more selective anti-obesity treatments.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Activation of Central Melanocortin Pathways by Fenfluramine

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