Increased circulating cholecystokinin contributes to anorexia and anxiety behavior in mice overexpressing pancreatic polypeptide

We have previously reported that pancreatic polypeptide (PP) overexpressing mice display thin phenotype with delayed gastric emptying and decreased food intake. In the present study, we further examined if CCK contributes to anorexia and anxiety behavior in PP overexpressing mice. Plasma CCK levels in PP overexpressing mice and their littermates were determined by radioimmunoassay using antisera specific to sulfated CCK-8 and CCK-33. To elucidate the role of CCK in PP overexpressing mice, CCK-1 receptor antagonist (L-364,718) or saline was administered intraperitoneally and food intake was measured for 2 h. CCK-2 antagonist (L-365,260) or saline was injected intraperitoneally and the elevated plus-maze test was performed to assess anxiety. Plasma CCK levels were significantly increased in PP overexpressing mice. Administration of L-364,718 increased food intake in PP overexpressing mice compared to the saline-injected PP overexpressing group, while L-364,718 did not increase food intake in non-transgenic littermates. PP overexpressing mice exhibited anxiety in the plus-maze test. Administration of CCK-2 receptor antagonist (L-365,260) reversed the decreased percentage of entry into the open arms in PP overexpressing mice. These results indicated that elevated CCK may contribute to anorexic and anxious phenotype of PP overexpressing mice.