Inhibition of feeding and hoarding behaviors by phenylpropanolamine in the adult rat.

The mechanism by which phenylpropanolamine (PPA) reduces feeding and body lipid is unknown. To determine if malaise associated with PPA treatment mediates its anorexic action, the present study compared the actions of PPA on feeding and hoarding behavior with that of lithium chloride at dose levels that induce comparable conditioned taste aversions. Adult male rats were injected (IP) 30 minutes prior to a test of feeding and hoarding behavior with either 0.9% saline, 32 mg/kg lithium chloride or with 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg PPA. Although 32 mg/kg lithium chloride was without effect on either feeding or hoarding behaviors, PPA significantly suppressed both behaviors. These results do not support the notion that malaise is a critical aspect of the anorexic property of PPA and that hoarding behavior may represent a sensitive index of anorexic drug potency.