Abstract
The hedonic component of the feeding behavior involves the mesolimbic reward system and resembles addictions. Nowadays, the excessive consumption of sucrose is considered addictive. The Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat strain is prone to develop anxiety and addiction-like behavior; nevertheless, a lack of information regarding their vulnerability to develop sugar binging-like behavior (SBLB) and how it affects the reward system persist. Therefore, the first aim of the present study was to compare the different predisposition of two rat strains, Wistar (W) and WKY to develop the SBLB in female and male rats. Also, we studied if the SBLB-inducing protocol produces changes in anxiety-like behavior using the plus-maze test (PMT) and, analyzed serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) concentrations in brain areas related to anxiety and ingestive behavior (brain stem, hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala). Finally, we evaluated whether fluoxetine, a drug that has been effective in reducing the binge-eating frequency, body weight, and severity of binge eating disorder, could also block this behavior. Briefly, WKY and W female rats were exposed to 30% sucrose solution (2 h, 3 days/week for 4 weeks), and fed up ad libitum. PMT was performed between the last two test periods. Immediately after the last test where sucrose access was available, rats were decapitated and brain areas extracted for high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The results showed that both W and WKY female and male rats developed the SBLB. WKY rats consumed more calories and ingested a bigger amount of sucrose solution than their W counterpart. This behavior was reversed by using fluoxetine, rats exposed to the SBLB-inducing protocol presented a rebound effect during the washout period. On female rats, the SBLB-inducing protocol induced changes in NA concentrations on WKY, but not on W rats. No changes were found in 5-HT levels. Finally, animals that developed SBLB showed increased anxiety-like behavior in the PMT. In conclusion, WKY female rats can be considered as a more susceptible rat strain to develop SBLB.
Highlights
The binge eating disorder (BED) was defined for the first time as a specific eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-V)
It is observed that sugar binging-like behavior (SBLB) rats during test days increase their caloric intake in comparison to the control but compensate with the intake on home cages on no test days leading to a cycling intake behavior
From our findings we suggest, that the WKY female rats can be considered as a good SBLB animal model, that developed strong binge eating episodes and increased its anxiety-like behavior when no palatable food is available
Summary
The binge eating disorder (BED) was defined for the first time as a specific eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-V). This disorder is characterized by recurrent binge eating episodes (eating large amounts of food in a short period with an associated sense of loss of control, at least once a week for 3 months) without any inappropriate compensatory behaviors. Palatable food (high in fat, simple carbohydrates, or a mix of both) is commonly consumed during these binge eating episodes [1,2,3]. Animal models represent a fair enough approach that has significantly contributed to the understanding of possible causes or consequences of binge eating behavior
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
