R. Mackenzie, B. Hoebel, R. Ducret
Jun 1, 1979
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0
Influential Citations
24
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior
Abstract
The methylester hydrochlorides of DL-p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), L-leucine and L-tryptophan were intraventricularly administered to rats. All compounds produced increased food intake compared to saline administration. PCPA and leucine administration significantly decreased serotonin levels by 15--18%, while no serotonin depletion occurred following tryptophan injections. The data suggest that intraventricular injections of large quantities of neutral amino acid methyl esters may cause hyperphagia in rats through non-serotonergic effects on brain function.