Neuropharmacology
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It is well known that endocannabinoids play an important role in the regulation of food intake and body weight. Endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors are found in the hypothalamus and brainstem, which are central areas involved in the control of food intake and energy expenditure. Activation of these areas is related to hypophagia observed during inflammatory stimulus. ⋯ Rimonabant did not modify corticosterone, CRF mRNA or Fos-α-MSH responses in rats treated with LPS. These data suggest that the endocannabinoid system, mediated by CB₁ receptors, modulates hypothalamic and brainstem circuitry underlying the hypophagic effect during endotoxemia to prevent an exaggerated food intake decrease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Central Control of Food Intake'.