Reward systems and food intake: role of opioids

摘要: Humans eat for many reasons, including the rewarding qualities of foods. A host neurotransmitters have been shown to influence eating behavior and some these appear be involved in reward-induced eating. Endogenous opioid peptides their receptors were first reported more than 30 years ago, studies suggesting a role opioids regulation food intake date back nearly as far. Opioid agonists antagonists corresponding stimulatory inhibitory effects on feeding. In addition aimed at identifying relevant receptor subtypes sites action within brain, there has continuing interest diet/taste preferences, reward, overlap reward with others types reward. Data exist that suggest control appetite specific macronutrients, but is also evidence stimulation based already-existing diet or taste preferences controlling motivated by hedonics rather energy needs. Finally, various indicate an between mechanisms mediating drug palatable Preference consumption sweet substances often parallels self-administration several drugs abuse, under certain conditions, termination intermittent access produces symptoms resemble those observed during opiate withdrawal. The overconsumption readily available highly foods likely contributes growing rates obesity worldwide. An understanding promoting may provide insights into new approaches preventing obesity.