The effects of intracerebroventricular injection of ascorbic acid on feeding behavior in male rats

Introduction: Several factors such as glutamate and dopamine affect appetite, food and water consumption. Recent research has shown that the release of these two neurotransmitters from their relevant neurons is involved in the central ascorbic acid (AA) release, and the released ascorbic acid can modulate their effects. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of intracerebroventricular injection of ascorbic acid on food consumption in male rats at light phase. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 50 NMRI rats weighing about 250-300 g were selected randomly and divided into 5 equal groups including control, sham (ascorbic acid solvent), and 25, 50 and 100 µg/10 µl ascorbic acid. First, the animals were annulated (within the right ventricle of the brain). Seven days after the recovery period, all the drugs were injected into the right brain ventricle, after 12 h of food deprivation. Then, the animals were put in the metabolic cages equipped with computer software and the number of container reference and food intake was measured. The amounts of food consumption every 60 minutes and for about 4 hours after injection were recorded. Results: The findings showed that intracerebroventricular administration of ascorbic acid decreased food intake at all three doses, which were important in dosage of 25 µg (P< 0.05). Also, the number of container reference was reduced in ascorbic acid groups compared to the control group. All three doses of ascorbic acid also reduced food intake. This reduction was significant only in the 100 µg ascorbic acid group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Findings show intracerebroventricular injection of ascorbic acid affects the animals’ feeding and its effect occurs possibly through interference with the brain chemical mediators, particularly dopamine and glutamine. The cellular involved mechanism must be identified with molecular research.