β -Endorphin Is Associated with Overeating in Genetically Obese Mice (ob/ob) and Rats (fa/fa)
Abstract
Small doses of the opiate antagonist naloxone selectively abolished overeating in genetically obese mice (ob/ob) and rats (fa/fa). Elevated concentrations of the naturally occurring opiate β -endorphin were found in the pituitaries of both obese species and in the blood plasma of the obese rats. Brain levels of β -endorphin and Leu-enkephalin were unchanged. These data suggest that excess pituitary β -endorphin may play a role in the development of the overeating and obesity syndrome.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- December 1978
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.715455
- Bibcode:
- 1978Sci...202..988M