Intrventricular infusions of somatostatin-14 : Effects on gut marker retention time and food intake in sheep

Abstract EN

The effect exerted by centrally administered somatostatin on food intake and total marker retention time (TMRT) in the digestive tract was investigated.

Sheep were prepared with cannulae inserted into the lateral ventricles of the brain.

They received constant infusion of cyclic somatostatin-14 dissolved in saline at a rate of 300 ng/h.

During a control study period the animal received similar rate infusion of 0.9% saline solution.

The experimental periods were run for seven days during which food intake and TMRT were measured.

Isotop tracer indicated no effect exerted by intra- ventricular administered somatostatin on TMRT.

Reduction in dry matter intake was marginal.

The preliminary investigation on TMRT.

Reduction in dry matter intake was marginal.The preliminary investigation suggested more important peripheral pathways for somatostatin over gut functioning and appetite control and marginalized the cerebro- ventricular neuroendocrine circuits.