An anorexic lipid mediator regulated by feeding

F. Rodríguez De Fonseca, M. Navarro, R. Gómez, L. Escuredo, F. Nava, J. Fu, E. Murillo-Rodríguez, A. Giuffrida, J. Loverme, S. Gaetani, S. Kathuria, C. Gall, D. Piomelli

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

629 Scopus citations

Abstract

Oleylethanolamide (OEA) is a natural analogue of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide. Like anandamide, OEA is produced in cells in a stimulus-dependent manner and is rapidly eliminated by enzymatic hydrolysis, suggesting a function in cellular signalling 1. However, OEA does not activate cannabinoid receptors and its biological functions are still unknown 2. Here we show that, in rats, food deprivation markedly reduces OEA biosynthesis in the small intestine. Administration of OEA causes a potent and persistent decrease in food intake and gain in body mass. This anorexic effect is behaviourally selective and is associated with the discrete activation of brain regions (the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus and the nucleus of the solitary tract) involved in the control of satiety. OEA does not affect food intake when injected into the brain ventricles, and its anorexic actions are prevented when peripheral sensory fibres are removed by treatment with capsaicin. These results indicate that OEA is a lipid mediator involved in the peripheral regulation of feeding.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)209-212
Number of pages4
JournalNature
Volume414
Issue number6860
DOIs
StatePublished - 8 Nov 2001
Externally publishedYes

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