An analysis of the effects of systemically administered clonidine on the food and water intake of rats

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Abstract
It is known that intracerebral injections of clonidine can induce eating in rats but it has not been clear whether systemic administration can produce similar effects. Subcutaneous injections of clonidine (0.01, 0.03, 0.1 mg/kg) increased food and water intake during the 6 h period following injection in non‐deprived male rats. Pretreatment with a dose of yohimbine (1.0 mg/kg) shifted the clonidine dose‐response curves to the right, suggesting competitive antagonism. A dose of naloxone (0.1 mg/kg) produced a lowering of the clonidine dose‐response curve but statistical analysis suggested that the opiate antagonist did not produce a competitive antagonism of the effect of clonidine. The results are consistent with a role for α2‐adrenoceptors in appetite regulation.