The NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 alters lipoprivic eating elicited by 2-mercaptoacetate

Eating behavior is controlled, at least in part, by levels of circulating metabolic fuels such as glucose and free fatty acids, and drugs that interfere with the availability of these fuels can elicit eating. One such drug is 2-mercaptoacetate (2MA), an inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation. Evidence also suggests that NMDA receptors may mediate some aspects of normal eating and satiety. The present study was conducted in order to determine whether NMDA receptors may play a role in feeding elicited by 2MA. Rats received intraperitoneal injections of either saline, 2MA, the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 or a combined injection of 2MA and MK-801, and subsequent intake of a fat-enriched, mash diet was measured at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h post-injection. Results showed that cumulative food intake was significantly increased by 2MA alone, as compared to saline controls, with most of the 2MA-elicited eating occurring during the first hour post-injection. While MK-801 alone did not alter food intake, it did have a biphasic effect on feeding elicited by 2MA. MK-801 initially suppressed and later enhanced eating elicited by 2MA. Although it is unclear whether MK-801 is acting centrally, peripherally or both to alter 2MA-induced eating, these results implicate NMDA receptors and the neurotransmitter glutamate in the regulation of lipid-associated eating and satiety.