Induction of hyperphagia in rats by intracerebroventricular infusion of sodium pentobarbital. A method for testing anorexigenic compounds.

In rats hyperphagia could be reversibly induced by intracerebroventricular infusion of sodium pentobarbital. Hyperphagia was elicited in a dose dependent manner, the optimal infusion rate being 1000 micrograms/h sodium pentobarbital. At this rate, feeding behaviour was induced selectively, with only minor side effects being apparent. Systemic application of d-methamphetamine or propylhexedrine given prior to infusion resulted in a dose dependent reduction of hyperphagia. The method, therefore, could be useful for testing putative anorexigenic compounds in hyperphagic rats.