Effect of antorex, a new antagonist of orexin receptors, on binge eating in rats caused by weaning from the mother in early ontogenesis

BACKGROUND: Research on the elements of food addiction in animal models shows that its manifestations are attributed to intermittent consumption of high-calorie foods. Chronic stress in ontogenesis can cause episodes of binge eating or dietary restrictions such as anorexia.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a new orexin receptor antagonist antorex on binge eating in a rat model of maternal neglect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mature male rats weaned from their mothers for 3 h after birth from days 2 to 12 received a high-carbohydrate diet every third day for 1 h for 45 days. Moreover, high-calorie food was placed within 5 cm of visual contact 15 min before feeding. Antorex, an orexin receptor antagonist, was administered intranasally at a dose of 1 µg/1µL for a total of 20 µL for 7 days.

RESULTS: Intermittent consumption of high-calorie food products induced binge eating in rats. The frequency of the signs of binge eating increased after chronic weaning stress. The consumption of standard briquette feed was not altered. Intranasal administration of both the orexin receptor antagonist antorex reduced the manifestations of food addiction in rats after maternal deprivation under conditions of intermittent consumption of high-calorie food compared with controls. Standard food intake did not differ relative to the control group both before and after аntorex administration.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest new ways to study and synthesize peptide drugs based on orexin and its antagonists for the correction of food addiction caused by chronic stress in ontogenesis.