Tissue ascorbic acid, fenfluramine, and changes in fat metabolism
Odumosu, A.; Wilson, C.W.
International Journal of Obesity 3(2): 123-131
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0307-0565 PMID: 528124 Document Number: 149064
To study the pharmacological actions of fenfluramine and its effects on fat metabolism, guinea-pigs (believed to be largely dependent, like humans, on exogenous sources of vitamin C) were given a scorbutogenic diet; male and female groups were supplemented with vitamin C and/or fenfluramine. Following initial weight gain, reduction in appetite and pronounced weight loss occurred in scorbutic unsupplemented guinea-pigs. Hepatic ascorbic acid levels were significantly reduced and cholesterol concentrations increased in the liver. Fenfluramine administration caused immediate loss of weight and appetite in the scorbutic guinea-pigs; these changes were more pronounced in the males. Hepatic ascorbic acid, cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced to lower levels in the fenfluramine-treated scorbutic animals than in scorbutic guinea-pigs receiving diet alone. Weight and appetite increased in vitamin C supplemented animals while receiving fenfluramine and their hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced. Results indicated that supplementary vitamin C can inhibit the anti-obesity and anorectic actions of fenfluramine and counteract its effect in raising tissue cholesterol.