Role of Central Serotonergic Systems on the Regulation of Feeding Behavior of Chicks in Two Different Strains

Abstract

Sashihara, K., Bungo, T., Ando, R., Ohgushi, A., Kawakami, S.-I., Denbow, D.M. and Furuse, M. 2002. Role of central serotonergic systems on the regulation of feeding behavior of chicks in two different strains. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 17–23.

Significant role of 5-HT for control of feeding behavior in mammalian and avian species is well known. To study the strain difference in the mechanisms of serotonergic systems on food intake, effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of serotonin (5-HT) or 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-(propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT: 5-HT_1A receptor agonist) on two strains of chicks (Cobb and Ross Chunky) was examined. Central administration of 5-HT suppressed food intake of chicks in both strains, but 5-HT induced anorexia lasted longer in Cobb than in Ross Chunky. Food intake in Ross Chunky enhanced by the highest dose of 8-OH-DPAT, but not in Cobb. The difference of sensitivity for 5-HT between two strains could be because of the density or binding affinity of 5-HT_1A receptor. This evidence suggests that there are some genetic differences in central serotonergic systems between two strains on the regulation of food intake.

Keywords:

• Serotonin (5-HT)
• 8-hydroxy-2-di-n(propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT)
• food intake
• strain
• chick