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The cannabinoid CB 1 receptor antagonist SR141716 blocks the orexigenic effects of intrahypothalamic ghrelin
Author(s) -
Tucci Sonia A,
Rogers Elizabeth K,
Korbonits Márta,
Kirkham Tim C
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705968
Subject(s) - orexigenic , ghrelin , cannabinoid receptor , cannabinoid , endocrinology , medicine , endocannabinoid system , rimonabant , cannabinoid receptor antagonist , appetite , antagonist , hypothalamus , chemistry , receptor , neuropeptide , neuropeptide y receptor
The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus plays a key role in the control of appetite and energy balance. Both ghrelin and cannabinoid receptor agonists increase food intake when administered into this nucleus: this study investigated possible interactions between the two systems in relation to eating. The orexigenic effect of ghrelin (100 pmol) when infused in to the PVN was reversed by a small, systemic dose of the CB 1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716 (1 mg kg −1 ). This is the first demonstration of a functional relationship between brain ghrelin and endocannabinoid systems, and, although it needs to be further investigated, the effect of ghrelin on food intake when injected into the PVN seems to be mediated by stimulation of cannabinoid release. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143 , 520–523. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705968