ABSTRACT
Background: Effect of administration of Orexin-A into nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in relation to the regulation of feeding behavior and alcohol consumption at specific time intervals is relatively unknown. Materials and methods: In this study, Male Wistar albino rats (n=54) weighing about 250±10 grams were implanted bilaterally with guide cannula (22 gauze) to target NAcc by stereotaxic surgery. Saline (0.9%) for control and Orexin-A for experimental groups (100 pmol or 250 pmol) were infused by Harvard picoplus pump. Food, water and alcohol (10%) consumption were measured at 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours to evaluate the effect of Orexin-A in fasted rats (24 hours). Preference study was carried out by two bottle choice test. Results: Orexin-A infusion into NAcc showed significant increase in food at 1 hr in all groups compared to controls (p<0.05) and alcohol (p<0.02) intake. The changes were dose dependent. There was no noticeable preference or alcohol. Conclusions for: These findings showed that Orexin-A in NAcc could be involved in feeding and drinking but not alcohol preference. The results highlight the effect of Orexin A infusion into NAcc in consummatory behaviour besides other hypothalamic and mesolimbic centres.