Acute feeding studies are one of the simplest screens for measuring the anti-obesity potential of a novel drug in both rat and mouse models. Following acute administration, the drug’s effects on food intake is evaluated.
Key features in these studies are:
- Male lean rats or mice (singly housed)
- Drugs administered by various routes, eg po, sc, ip
- Mice acclimatised to palatable wet mash (4 h/day). Drugs given 60 min before mash. Food intake normally measured over 1, 2 and 4 h
- Rats maintained under reverse-phase lighting with free access to normal, powdered rat chow. Drugs given at onset of dark period. Food intake normally measured for up to 24 h
- Determination of ED50 values for inhibition of food intake
- Blood sampling for pharmacokinetic analysis (at the end of studies or from satellite groups of animals)
Acute feeding studies in mice:
Effect of acute PYY3-36 on mash consumption
Effect of Rimonabant on mash consumption
Effect of Sibutramine on mean mash consumption
Acute feeding studies in rats:
The studies can be extended by giving drugs repeatedly for up to 7 days if a delayed onset of action is suspected.
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