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Thesis
Effects of rodent prefrontal cortex activity on food intake: interactions with obesity-related phenotypes
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Apr 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010932
Abstract
Background: A positive energy balance (greater intake than expenditure) can explain weight gain and, when protracted, leads to overweight and obesity. A major question is if the timing of activation of specific regions of the brain is causal of excessive food intake and, further, if this differs after a protein preload and between subjects prone compared to resistant to obesity. Limited data in humans has suggested that a protein preload can reduce subsequent food consumption, that activation of different subregions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) occurs during different stages of eating, and that subjects with a family history of obesity have weakened signaling for the inhibition of eating. The purpose of the present study was to determine in animals if these differences in brain signaling may be causal to changes in eating. Methods: Female and male diet-induced obesity (DIO) and diet-resistant (DR) Sprague-Dawley rats were tested in early adulthood, prior to the development of obesity. They received excitatory or control designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug (DREADD) virus in the infralimbic cortex (IL) or medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC). In a within-subject design, they were given a preload of either protein (Ensure) or water, then given an injection of either the DREADD activator clozapine-n-oxide (CNO) or saline vehicle, and then given ad libitum access to a sweet-fat, palatable diet for one hour. Results: The protein preload reduced subsequent palatable food intake in DR but not DIO rats. Preliminary data indicate that activation of the IL increased palatable diet consumption in both DR and DIO rats. In contrast, activation of the mOFC appeared to increase intake to a smaller extent. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a protein preload is more effective at reducing subsequent palatable food intake in subjects that are not predisposed to the development of obesity. They also provide novel support for the role of the IL in promoting palatable food consumption. Future research should expand on these studies, to confirm these preliminary findings. Understanding how different regions of the PFC contribute to feeding regulation may inform targeted interventions for obesity and disordered eating.
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Details
- Title
- Effects of rodent prefrontal cortex activity on food intake
- Creators
- Destinee Lee Monasterio
- Contributors
- Jessica R. Barson (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 45 unnumbered pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Neurobiology and Anatomy; College of Medicine; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022052639804721