A Study on Microinjection Effects of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors on Appetite

There is little investigation performed regarding the use of metabotropic glutamate receptors in birds. In this study, we had investigated the use of metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist and antagonist to determine the appetite of broiler cockerels.

12 broiler cockerels of were reared until 700-750 grams were bred up. Each was steriotaxically implanted into the right lateral ventricle.Then, the birds were injected with DHPG(1µM) and AIDA(2mM) and cumulative food intake was monitored at different times post injection with computerized program. The birds were given the mentioned food in a replicated latin square design on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days in 4 groups.

In comparison with the control group, the intracerebroventricular administration of DHPG increased significantly (average 28.7 percent), food intake and AIDA had decreased (average 30 percent) significantly (P<0.05).

According to these results it can be concluded that metabotropic glutamate receptors can, significantly, affect on the appetite of broiler cockerels to intake food.