Acute hypothalamic administration of L-arginine increases feed intake in rats

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study investigated the chronic (oral) and acute (hypothalamic infusion) effects of L-arginine supplementation on feed intake, body composition, and behavioral changes in rats. MethodsTwenty rats were divided into two groups treated orally for 60 days; one group received L-arginine (1 g/kg body weight) and one group received saline (1 mL/NaCl 0.9%). Daily consumption of water and food were evaluated, and weight monitored. After the oral treatment, the rats underwent stereotactic biopsy and a group was injected with 2 µL of L-arginine (0.5 mM) and another received an injection of saline (0.9% NaCl), in the hypothalamic route, through micro infusion. Immediately after micro infusion, the animal behavior was evaluated through tests in the open field. Food and water consumption were evaluated at 12 and 24 hours after the micro infusion. Daily water consumption and weight gain evolution were evaluated. At the end of treatments, rats were euthanized and blood was collected for glucose, glycerol, and cholesterol evaluation, and histological analysis of vital organs. ResultsOral supplementation with L-arginine increased water intake (11%, p<0.05) and promoted weight gain (3%, p<0.05). However, hypothalamic infusion promoted a significant increase in chow intake (30%, p<0.05) after 24 hours of L-arginine administration.

Effect of Herbal Blend and L-arginine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, and Caecal Microflora of Growing Guinea Fowls

“…Increased feed intake of young and growing guinea fowls following L-Arg supplementation of the diet with HB, when compared to their counterparts fed a similar diet but not supplemented with L-Arg in the present study, could be linked with the secretagogue activity of Arg inducing the release of insulin and glucagon, which influences feed intake and efficiency of utilization (Woods et al, 2006). Previous studies confirmed that NO generated via the L-Arg pathway is actively involved in feeding behavior through the hypothalamus (Malfatti et al, 2015), acts as a central mediator and physiological modulator of food intake (Mancuso et al, 2010). L-Arg infusion in rats also promoted satiety quantified by increased food intake after 24 hours from L-Arg administration (Malfatti et al, 2015).…”

“…Previous studies confirmed that NO generated via the L-Arg pathway is actively involved in feeding behavior through the hypothalamus (Malfatti et al, 2015), acts as a central mediator and physiological modulator of food intake (Mancuso et al, 2010). L-Arg infusion in rats also promoted satiety quantified by increased food intake after 24 hours from L-Arg administration (Malfatti et al, 2015).…”

Protective effect of nicotinamide and l-arginine against monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats: gender dependence

“…Blood samples for this analysis were collected on the 23rd day of the observational period in groups: 1, 2; 5, 6; 9, 10; 13, 14. The level of l-arginine in plasma was not able to be determined, as the compound is metabolized rapidly and the dose we used for supplementation had been proven to be effective [19].…”