Allopregnanolone induces a diurnally dependent hyperphagic effect and alters feeding latency and duration in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Allopregnanolone seems to act at several levels of feeding regulation, that is, to initiate feeding and to prolong the duration of a meal, thereby increasing the meal size, especially in the dark period of the 24-h cycle.

Differences in the reinstatement of ethanol seeking with ganaxolone and gaboxadol

“…Given that ALLO also decreased latency to feed in rats (Holmberg et al, 2013), it is possible that ALLO and GAN may have more general effects on seeking behavior, particularly for calorie-containing substances. On the other hand, ALLO decreased drug-induced reinstatement of cocaine and methamphetamine seeking, respectively, in rats, at doses that did not induce sedation (Holtz et al, 2012; Anker et al, 2009), indicating that ALLO or GAN-induced enhancement of ethanol seeking does not generalize to all drugs of abuse or reinforcers.…”

Progesterone metabolite influence feeding behaviour

“…In this issue of Acta Physiologica, Holmberg and colleagues present their work where they have investigated the diurnally effect of the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone in male Wistar rats (Holmberg et al . ).…”

“…There are many similarities between the electrically excitable beta cells and neural cells, and differences between results in humans and rodents are, to some extent, also investigated in the work by Holmberg et al . ().…”

“…Holmberg and colleagues aimed to investigate whether the differences could be due to diurnal variations in the action of allopregnanolone (Holmberg et al . ). Indeed, it was observed that food intake was activated during the active period, that is, during night for rats.…”

“…The authors further suggest that the influence of allopregnanolone in a certain individual might be controlled by eating habits (Holmberg et al . ). They base this on three observations.…”