Effect of Fenfluramine on the single neuron activities of the hypothalamic feeding centers

Abstract

Electrical activity of single neurons of the hypothalamic satiety and feeding centers and other adjacent areas was recorded by means of stereotaxically guided steel microelectrodes, before and after Fenfluramine infusion in doses of 1.5 mg/kg body wt. In addition arterial and venous blood glucose estimations were carried out to assess the levels of glucose utilization. The spike frequency of satiety center units increased while that of feeding center units decreased, in response to Fenfluramine while other hypothalamic units did not show any changes. The A-V glucose differences also increased showing increased level of glucose utilization. The significance of these findings in explaining the effects of Fenfluramine in depressing appetite have been discussed.