The Effects of Allopregnanolone on Feeding: A Behavioural Investigation
Allopregnanolone (5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one), a neurosteroid, has been shown to produce hyperphagia in rodents. The effects of allopregnanolone on appetitive and Consummatory behaviors associated with feeding were examined. Allopregnanolone had no effect on consummatory behaviors, as measured by the taste reactivity test. In the lickometer test, allopregnanolone significantly increased the intake and licking of a sucrose solution, only when it was novel, indicating a reduction in neophobia (food related). In a lickometer/automated open field test, allopregnanolone significantly reduced thigmotaxis produced by exposure to a novel environment further indicating a reduction in neophobia (environment related). However, allopregnanolone had no significant effect on spout approach behaviors and produced a mild sedative effect on vertical activity and licking without affecting horizontal activity. The present research supports the hypothesis that allopregnanolone-induced hyperphagia is the result of anxiety reduction without affecting other appetitive or consummatory behaviors.
anxiety, appetitive behaviors, consummatory behaviors, hyperphagia, lickometer, lickometer/automated open field, locomotor activity, neophobia, neurosteroid, taste reactivity, thigmotaxis
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