CORTICOSTERONE MODULATION OF DIETARY SELECTION PATTERNS

Effects of corticosterone (CORT) supplementation on ad lib macronutrient selection and selection following food deprivation were examined in male adrenalectomized (ADX) Sprague-Dawley rats. The ADX rats self-administered CORT from drinking solutions of 0 mug/ml, 20 mug/ml, or 40 mug/ml. Adrenalectomy attenuated weight gain, which CORT failed to completely restore. After 6 days, rats were deprived for 0 or 24 h. Adrenalectomy attenuated weight loss during deprivation; CORT failed to restore weight loss. Adrenalectomy reduced ad lib protein intake, which CORT failed to restore. Carbohydrate and fat intakes were not affected by ADX; CORT (40 mug/ml) increased fat intake. During the first hour of refeeding, ADX attenuated protein intake; CORT failed to restore intake. Corticosterone-supplemented rats consumed more fat than unsupplemented ADX rats. Over 24 h, unsupplemented, deprived ADX rats consumed less fat and calories than all other deprived groups. These results suggest that CORT affects weight gain in lean rats and modulates macronutrient selection both ad lib and following food deprivation.