A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Cerebral μ-opioid and CB1 receptor systems have distinct roles in human feeding behavior




AuthorsKantonen Tatu, Karjalainen Tomi, Pekkarinen Laura, Isojärvi Janne, Kalliokoski Kari, Kaasinen Valtteri, Hirvonen Jussi, Nuutila Pirjo, Nummenmaa Lauri

PublisherSpringer Nature

Publication year2021

JournalTranslational Psychiatry

Journal name in sourceTranslational Psychiatry

Volume11

Issue1

ISSN2158-3188

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01559-5

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/66877242


Abstract

Eating behavior varies greatly between individuals, but the neurobiological basis of these trait-like differences in feeding remains poorly understood. Central μ-opioid receptors (MOR) and cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) regulate energy balance via multiple neural pathways, promoting food intake and reward. Because obesity and eating disorders have been associated with alterations in the brain’s opioid and endocannabinoid signaling, the variation in MOR and CB1R system function could potentially underlie distinct eating behavior phenotypes. In this retrospective positron emission tomography (PET) study, we analyzed [11C]carfentanil PET scans of MORs from 92 healthy subjects (70 males and 22 females), and [18F]FMPEP-d2 scans of CB1Rs from 35 subjects (all males, all also included in the [11C]carfentanil sample). Eating styles were measured with the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). We found that lower cerebral MOR availability was associated with increased external eating—individuals with low MORs reported being more likely to eat in response to environment’s palatable food cues. CB1R availability was associated with multiple eating behavior traits. We conclude that although MORs and CB1Rs overlap anatomically in brain regions regulating food reward, they have distinct roles in mediating individual feeding patterns. Central MOR system might provide a pharmacological target for reducing individual’s excessive cue-reactive eating behavior.


Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.





Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 11:51