Increased food intake following injection of the benzodiazepine receptor agonist midazolam into the IVth ventricle. 1996

S Higgs, and S J Cooper
Department of Psychology, University of Durham, UK.

Despite a prolonged period of research with benzodiazepines, the central site(s) of action for the hyperphagic effects of these compounds remains to be determined. The aim of the present studies was to examine the effect of direct administration of the benzodiazepine receptor agonist midazolam into the IVth ventricle on ingestive behavior in nondeprived rats. In Experiment 1, microinjection of midazolam (3 and 30 micrograms/microliter) into the IVth ventricle was sufficient to increase consumption of a palatable mash. In Experiment 2, the hyperphagic effect was blocked by systemic administration of the selective benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (20 mg/kg). The results indicate that a brainstem site of action may be important for the effects of benzodiazepine receptor agonists on ingestive behavior.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D006963 Hyperphagia Ingestion of a greater than optimal quantity of food. Overeating,Polyphagia,Polyphagias
D007276 Injections, Intraventricular Injections into the cerebral ventricles. Intraventricular Injections,Injection, Intraventricular,Intraventricular Injection
D008297 Male Males
D008845 Microinjections The injection of very small amounts of fluid, often with the aid of a microscope and microsyringes. Microinjection
D008874 Midazolam A short-acting hypnotic-sedative drug with anxiolytic and amnestic properties. It is used in dentistry, cardiac surgery, endoscopic procedures, as preanesthetic medication, and as an adjunct to local anesthesia. The short duration and cardiorespiratory stability makes it useful in poor-risk, elderly, and cardiac patients. It is water-soluble at pH less than 4 and lipid-soluble at physiological pH. Dormicum,Midazolam Hydrochloride,Midazolam Maleate,Ro 21-3981,Versed,Hydrochloride, Midazolam,Maleate, Midazolam,Ro 21 3981,Ro 213981
D002552 Cerebral Ventricles Four CSF-filled (see CEREBROSPINAL FLUID) cavities within the cerebral hemispheres (LATERAL VENTRICLES), in the midline (THIRD VENTRICLE) and within the PONS and MEDULLA OBLONGATA (FOURTH VENTRICLE). Foramen of Monro,Cerebral Ventricular System,Cerebral Ventricle,Cerebral Ventricular Systems,Monro Foramen,System, Cerebral Ventricular,Systems, Cerebral Ventricular,Ventricle, Cerebral,Ventricles, Cerebral,Ventricular System, Cerebral,Ventricular Systems, Cerebral
D004305 Dose-Response Relationship, Drug The relationship between the dose of an administered drug and the response of the organism to the drug. Dose Response Relationship, Drug,Dose-Response Relationships, Drug,Drug Dose-Response Relationship,Drug Dose-Response Relationships,Relationship, Drug Dose-Response,Relationships, Drug Dose-Response
D004435 Eating The consumption of edible substances. Dietary Intake,Feed Intake,Food Intake,Macronutrient Intake,Micronutrient Intake,Nutrient Intake,Nutritional Intake,Ingestion,Dietary Intakes,Feed Intakes,Intake, Dietary,Intake, Feed,Intake, Food,Intake, Macronutrient,Intake, Micronutrient,Intake, Nutrient,Intake, Nutritional,Macronutrient Intakes,Micronutrient Intakes,Nutrient Intakes,Nutritional Intakes
D005442 Flumazenil A potent benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. Since it reverses the sedative and other actions of benzodiazepines, it has been suggested as an antidote to benzodiazepine overdoses. Flumazepil,Anexate,Lanexat,Ro 15-1788,Romazicon,Ro 15 1788,Ro 151788
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia

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