Effects of sibutramine on the appetitive and consummatory aspects of feeding in non-human primates

This study examined how sibutramine (0.06–4.0 mg/kg, i.m.), a clinically effective weight-loss medication which increases extracellular serotonin and norepinephrine levels, affected the appetitive and consummatory aspects of feeding of non-human primates. The effects were compared to the effects of the positive control dexfenfluramine (2.0–6.0 mg/kg, p.o.), which primarily increases extracellular serotonin levels. Baboons had access to food 24 h each day, but they had to complete a two-phase operant procedure in order to eat. Responding on one lever during a 30-min appetitive phase was required before animals could start a consumption phase, where responding on another lever led to food delivery, i.e., a meal. Responding during the appetitive phase resulted in presentations of food-related stimuli only. Sibutramine increased the latency to the first meal of the session in females, and decreased consummatory behavior without affecting other appetitive behavior in males and females. In contrast, dexfenfluramine, increased the latency to the first meal of the session, and decreased both appetitive and consummatory behavior in males and females. The behavioral mechanism by which sibutramine decreases food intake is distinct from other anorectic drugs, including dexfenfluramine, that have been tested in this paradigm.