Many Americans consume low amounts of calcium, which places them at risk for several major diseases. However, little is known about the factors that control calcium ingestion. The goal of the proposed research is to investigate which peripheral nerves and brain areas control calcium intake in rats. Ultimately, this may help to provide insight into why animals, including humans, select certain levels of calcium in their diets and how this behavior might be altered to prevent disease. Three experiments will be conducted, with specific aims as follows: 1) to determine whether particular brain areas are more active when calcium appetite is induced, using immunocytochemistry to detect c-Fos, c-Jun, and FosB; 2) to determine whether lesions of the subfornical organ affect calcium intake; 3) to determine whether transection of the chorda tympani and/or glossopharyngeal nerve affects short-term intake of CaCl2 and other solutions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32DK010134-02
Application #
6516941
Study Section
Integrative, Functional and Cognitive Neuroscience 8 (IFCN)
Program Officer
Podskalny, Judith M,
Project Start
2002-04-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-04-01
Budget End
2002-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$9,532
Indirect Cost
Name
Monell Chemical Senses Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
McCaughey, Stuart A; Fitts, Douglas A; Tordoff, Michael G (2003) Lesions of the subfornical organ decrease the calcium appetite of calcium-deprived rats. Physiol Behav 79:605-12
McCaughey, Stuart A; Tordoff, Michael G (2002) Magnesium appetite in the rat. Appetite 38:29-38