Rodent Models of Binge Eating: Are They Models of Addiction?

Abstract

Are recently developed rodent models of binge eating also models of food addiction? Valid models should meet human criteria for both bingeing and substance dependence as described in the 4th edition and proposed for the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Similarly, behavioral profiles of bingeing animals should share characteristics with those of animal models of drug addiction. We evaluate and discuss current rodent models of bingeing, their contributions to scientific understanding of bingeing, their validity with respect to DSM criteria, and their overlap with models of addiction. The models described indicate that repeated intermittent bouts in which large quantities of fatty or sugary foods are consumed (binges) are associated with behavioral changes similar to those described for drugs of abuse. In contrast, control groups consuming the same foods in a nonbinge-type manner do not exhibit an "addiction-like" behavioral profile. Thus, fatty/sugary foods in and of themselves do not appear to have addictive qualities. Rather, the manner in which they are consumed appears to be critical. In addition, while rodent models of bingeing and drug self-administration share similarities, we do not support reclassifying the bingeing-related eating disorders as substance use disorders because of differences that distinguish such disorders in humans.

Emotional Eating, Binge Eating and Animal Models of Binge-Type Eating Disorders

“…A variety of animal models have been developed in order to characterise the possible mechanisms involved in pathological eating behaviour and weight homeostasis in humans [17][18][19][20]. These models are based upon findings from lesion studies, pharmacological manipulations and by controlling the environmental conditions of rodents.…”

Eating Disorders as New Forms of Addiction

“…When animals are subjected to cycles of caloric restriction and exposed to tasty food associated (or not) with a stressor, the food intake of animals exposed to the stressor seems to be significantly higher than those who do not receive negative stimuli [25].…”

“…A recent review of the literature on animal models has evaluated the contribution of different studies to the understanding of BED [25]. The animal studies analyzed suggest that binge eating is often associated with changes in behavior similar to those observed in individuals who use/abuse substances.…”

Binge eating in pre-clinical models

“…New criteria DSM-V are mostly consistent with the previous ones. The only difference refers to binge frequency, from twice per week (in DSM-IV) to once per week at least for three months (in DSM-V) [56,57].…”