Food intake is inversely correlated with central nervous system histamine receptor (H1) concentrations in male Sprague-Dawley rats fed normal, low protein, low energy or poor quality protein diets
Haq, A.U.; Bundrant, H.M.; Mercer, L.P.
Journal of Nutrition 126(12): 3083-3089
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3166 PMID: 9001378 Document Number: 457822
The reported studies were designed to examine relationships between whole-brain histamine receptors (H1) and food intake in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Three different experiments were conducted. In each experiment, control rats were fed normal protein (25 g casein/100 g food) and normal metabolizable energy (16.21 kJ/100 g food) diets. Feeding low protein diets (1 g casein/100 g food) elevated central H1 receptor concentrations (P < 0.0027) and reduced voluntary food intake (P < 0.007) compared with normal diets. Feeding low energy diets lowered H1 receptor concentrations (P < 0.0089) and increased voluntary food intake (P < 0.0012). Low quality protein diets also affected the central nervous histaminergic system. Whole-brain H1 receptor concentrations were significantly higher for rats fed low quality protein (25 g gelatin/100 g food) compared with rats fed casein (P < 0.0001). Rats fed medium quality protein (25 g wheat gluten/100 g food) or low quality protein ate significantly less food (P < 0.0001). In all experiments, dietary manipulation affected central histamine receptors. Elevated concentrations of H1 receptors were associated with a decrease in food intake whereas lowered concentrations of H1 receptors were associated with an increase in food intake (P < 0.001). The results of these experiments support the hypothesis that central histamine H1 receptor concentrations in male rats are inversely correlated with voluntary food intake and affected by dietary composition. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.