Ghrelin, Cannabinoids, and Motivation: Increased Food Motivation on Progressive Ratio Paradigm Through MAGL/FAAH Inhibition in a Rat Model

Both ghrelin and endogenous cannabinoids act in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to increase feeding behaviours, through their interaction is not understood. It is hypothesized that ghrelin influences this system by stimulating the release of endocannabinoids from dopamine cells through its receptor, via increased synthesis and accumulation of membrane bound cannabinoid enzymes. First, we used a progressive ratio paradigm to examine the behavioural effects of blocking cannabinoid catabolism on ghrelin induced motivated feeding by administering an intra-VTA infusion of cannabinoid degrading enzymes (MAGL/FAAH) inhibitors (MJN110/PF-00457845), followed by ghrelin. Next, we examined the protein level of cannabinoid related enzymes in the VTA following an injection of ghrelin using western blotting. Our results show a significant increase in motivated feeding behaviours in rats that received both the MAGL/FAAH inhibitor cocktail and ghrelin. Interestingly, western blot analyses showed an increase in degrading enzyme MAGL and a decrease in synthesizing enzyme DAGL-a.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Neuroscience

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• De Sante, Stephanie

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2022 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, research, scholarship, and teaching. Theses may only be shared by linking to Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be used without proper attribution to the author. No part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2022-14843

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/42451