Central amylin induces anxiety related behaviors while decreasing nutrient absorption in chicks

Amylin, a 37 amino acid peptide, is released from the mammalian pancreas in response to duodenal dissension. It reduces mammalian feed intake and appears to be a logical target to pharmalogically modify human appetite. Recently we demonstrated that central amylin reduces feed intake, without affecting water intake, in chicks. To further investigate this effect we monitored other chick behavior after central amylin treatment. Chicks treated centrally with 20 micrograms, a concentration that potently decreases feed intake, responded with increased stepping, jumping, preening, escape attempts, locomotion and decreased sleep and pecking. In a second experiment we determined the effect of central amylin on duodenal glucose absorption. A five percent glucose solution was perfused through the in vivo duodoneal loop and the perfusate collected. Absorption was calculated by determining the concentration of glucose perfusate in versus out. Amylin‐treated chicks absorbed less glucose. Our results indicate that central amylin causes anxiety related behavior in chicks, which in part may contribute to its anorexigenic effect. We have also demonstrated that central amylin affects nutrient absorption. Despite its effect on nutrient absorption and feed intake, amylin may not be the best target to combat human obesity.