Interleukin-18 controls energy homeostasis by suppressing appetite and feed efficiency.

ABSTRACT: Circulating levels of the cytokine interleukin 18 (IL-18) are elevated in obesity. Here, we show that administration of IL-18 suppresses appetite, feed efficiency, and weight regain in food-deprived male and female C57BL/6J mice. Intraperitoneal vs. intracerebroventricular routes of IL-18 administration had similar potency and did not promote formation of a conditioned taste aversion (malaise-like behavior). Mice partially (Il18(+/-)) or totally (Il18(-/-)) deficient in IL-18 were hyperphagic by young adulthood, with null mutants then becoming overweight by the fifth month of life. Adult Il18(-/-) mice gained 2- to 3-fold more weight than WT mice per unit energy consumed of low- or high-fat diet. Indirect calorimetry revealed reduced energy expenditure in female Il18(-/-) mice and increase

SUBMITTER: Zorrilla EP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1904154 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature