Effects of the 5HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, on operant food intake in non-deprived rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the hyperphagia produced by systemic administration of 8-OH-DPAT is independent of drug-induced chewing or gnawing behaviour. The effects of 8-OH-DPAT (15.625-500 micrograms kg-1, s.c.) were therefore investigated on operant food intake in non-deprived rats. Low doses (i.e. 15.625-62.5 micrograms kg-1) increased operant food intake. Drug-induced stereotypy disrupted operant responding at the higher doses. The results thus suggest that 8-OH-DPAT-induced hyperphagia is independent of chewing or gnawing behaviour.