Rethinking the Approach to Preclinical Models of Anorexia Nervosa

Marie François,Lori M Zeltser

doi:10.1007/s11920-022-01319-2

Marie François, Lori M Zeltser

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01319-2

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Abstract

Purpose of ReviewThe goal of this review is to describe how emerging technological developments in pre-clinical animal research can be harnessed to accelerate research in anorexia nervosa (AN).Recent FindingsThe activity-based anorexia (ABA) paradigm, the best characterized animal model of AN, combines restricted feeding, excessive exercise, and weight loss. A growing body of evidence supports the idea that pathophysiological weight loss in this model is due to cognitive inflexibility, a clinical feature of AN. Targeted manipulations that recapitulate brain changes reported in AN — hyperdopaminergia or hyperactivity of cortical inputs to the nucleus accumbens — exacerbate weight loss in the ABA paradigm, providing the first evidence of causality.SummaryThe power of preclinical research lies in the ability to assess the consequences of targeted manipulations of neuronal circuits that have been implicated in clinical research. Additional paradigms are needed to capture other features of AN that are not seen in ABA.

Highlights

A suite of newly developed tools in pre-clinical models can help overcome several obstacles to understanding brain mechanisms of anorexia nervosa (AN)
This review focuses on recent evidence that the activity-based anorexia (ABA) paradigm captures both behavioral and neuronal signatures associated with cognitive inflexibility and preservative behaviors observed in AN
The power of preclinical research lies in the ability to assess the consequences of targeted manipulations of neuronal circuits that have been implicated in clinical research

Summary

Introduction

A suite of newly developed tools in pre-clinical (animal) models can help overcome several obstacles to understanding brain mechanisms of anorexia nervosa (AN). Advances in current methods can characterize, map, and manipulate neural circuits with unprecedented cellular precision [1–3]. Application of these cutting-edge tools is leading to rapid advances in the understanding of many psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder [4]. To leverage these tools to study AN, relevant preclinical models are needed. We use the best characterized preclinical model of AN, activity-based anorexia (ABA), to illustrate limitations

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Eating Disorders

Conclusions

Compliance with Ethical Standards