Role of the central adropin and its interaction with dopaminergic and serotoninergic system on feed intake in broiler chicken

1. This study examined the role of the central adropin and its interaction with dopaminergic and serotoninergic system on feed intake in broiler chicken. This study included eight experiments with four treatment groups each with 11 replicates for each group.2. In experiment 1, group 1 received ICV injection of the saline and groups 2–4 received ICV injection of adropin (0.5, 1 and 2 µg, respectively). In experiment 2, birds in group 1 received ICV injection of the saline, group 2 were injected with SCH23390 (D1 receptor antagonist, 5 nmol), group 3 received ICV injection of the adropin (2 µg) and group 4 were injected with co-injection of the SCH23390 and adropin. Experiments 3–8 were similar to experiment 2, except AMI-193 (D2 receptor antagonist, 5 nmol), NGB2904 (D3 receptor antagonist, 6.4 nmol), L-741,742 (D4 receptor antagonist, 6.4 nmol), PCPA (serotonin synthesis inhibitor, 1.25 µg), 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A receptor antagonist, 15.25 nmol) and SB-242,084 (5-HT2C receptor antagonist, 1.5 µg) were injected instead of SCH23390. Feed intake was measured until 120 min post injection.3. From the results, ICV injection of adropin (1 and 2 µg) decreased feed intake compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Co-injection of adropin and SCH23390 and for adropin and AMI-193 and for adropin and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist decreased hypophagia compared to the control group (p < 0.05).4. These results suggested that adropin has a hypophagic role and is linked to D1 and D2 and 5-HT2C receptors in neonatal broiler chickens.