Inhibition of food intake by CRF in chickens

The effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) on food and water intake and on body temperature in chickens was determined. Both broiler and Leghorn type chickens were utilized in this experiment. A stainless steel guide cannula was surgically implanted into the right lateral ventricle of each bird. The ICV injection of CRF significantly decreased food intake in both fed and overnight-fasted broilers and Leghorns. Water intake was decreased by CRF in Leghorns but not broilers. When CRF was injected into Leghorns given access to water, but not food, water intake was not affected. Body temperature was not affected by the ICV injection of CRF. These results suggest that CRF acts within the central nervous system of chickens to decrease food intake while having no affect on water intake or body temperature. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.