Dopaminergic and muscarinic receptor involvement in neuromedin U-induced suppression of food intake in broiler chickens
- 1Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- 2Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- 3Razi Clinical Research Development Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a highly conserved neuropeptide involved in the regulation of appetite, energy homeostasis, and neuroendocrine functions. Although the anorexigenic effects of NMU have been demonstrated in both mammals and birds, the neurotransmitter pathways mediating these effects in poultry remain poorly understood. This study investigated the role of dopaminergic and muscarinic receptors in NMU-induced regulation of food intake in broiler chickens. Food-deprived broiler chicks received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of NMU and selective antagonists of dopamine (D1–D4) and muscarinic (M1–M4) receptors. Cumulative food intake was measured at 30, 60, and 120 min following treatment, and data were analyzed using repeated-measures two-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Central administration of NMU significantly reduced food intake in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 and the D2 receptor antagonist AMI-193 significantly attenuated NMU-induced hypophagia, whereas D3 and D4 receptor antagonists failed to modify this response. Similarly, antagonists of M1 (Telenzepine), M2 (AF-DX 116), and M3 (4-DAMP) receptors significantly reversed NMU-induced suppression of feeding, while M4 receptor blockade had no significant effect. These findings indicate that dopaminergic D1 and D2 and muscarinic M1, M2, and M3 receptor systems contribute to the hypophagic response induced by central NMU administration in broiler chicks, whereas blockade of D3, D4, and M4 receptors did not significantly alter this response. These findings provide evidence for receptor subtype-specific involvement in the central regulation of feeding by NMU in avian species and provide a basis for further investigation of the underlying neurochemical mechanisms.
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BibTeX
@article{ahmadi2026dopaminergic,
title = {{Dopaminergic and muscarinic receptor involvement in neuromedin U-induced suppression of food intake in broiler chickens}},
author = {Armin Ahmadi and Shahin Hassanpour and Morteza zendehdel and Mohaya Farzin},
journal = {Poultry Science},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.psj.2026.108017},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2026.108017},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Dopaminergic and muscarinic receptor involvement in neuromedin U-induced suppression of food intake in broiler chickens
AU - Armin Ahmadi
AU - Shahin Hassanpour
AU - Morteza zendehdel
AU - Mohaya Farzin
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/22
JO - Poultry Science
DO - 10.1016/j.psj.2026.108017
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2026.108017
AB - Neuromedin U (NMU) is a highly conserved neuropeptide involved in the regulation of appetite, energy homeostasis, and neuroendocrine functions. Although the anorexigenic effects of NMU have been demonstrated in both mammals and birds, the neurotransmitter pathways mediating these effects in poultry remain poorly understood. This study investigated the role of dopaminergic and muscarinic receptors in NMU-induced regulation of food intake in broiler chickens. Food-deprived broiler chicks received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of NMU and selective antagonists of dopamine (D1–D4) and muscarinic (M1–M4) receptors. Cumulative food intake was measured at 30, 60, and 120 min following treatment, and data were analyzed using repeated-measures two-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Central administration of NMU significantly reduced food intake in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 and the D2 receptor antagonist AMI-193 significantly attenuated NMU-induced hypophagia, whereas D3 and D4 receptor antagonists failed to modify this response. Similarly, antagonists of M1 (Telenzepine), M2 (AF-DX 116), and M3 (4-DAMP) receptors significantly reversed NMU-induced suppression of feeding, while M4 receptor blockade had no significant effect. These findings indicate that dopaminergic D1 and D2 and muscarinic M1, M2, and M3 receptor systems contribute to the hypophagic response induced by central NMU administration in broiler chicks, whereas blockade of D3, D4, and M4 receptors did not significantly alter this response. These findings provide evidence for receptor subtype-specific involvement in the central regulation of feeding by NMU in avian species and provide a basis for further investigation of the underlying neurochemical mechanisms.
SN - 0032-5791
SN - 1525-3171
ER -