CB1 receptor antagonist AVE1625 affects primarily metabolic parameters independently of reduced food intake in Wistar rats

The objective of the present study was to investigate in fed Wistar rats whether the cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor antagonist AVE1625 causes primary effects on metabolic blood and tissue parameters as well as metabolic rate, which are independent of reduced caloric intake. After single administration to rats postprandially, AVE1625 caused a slight dose-dependent increase in basal lipolysis. Six hours after single administration, liver glycogen content was dose-dependently reduced to approximately 60% of that of untreated controls. These findings demonstrate a primary acute effect of AVE1625 on induction of 1) lipolysis from fat tissue (increased FFA) and 2) glycogenolysis from the liver (reduced hepatic glycogen). Measured by indirect calorimetry, AVE1625 caused an immediate increase in total energy expenditure, a long-lasting increase of fat oxidation, and a transient increase of glucose oxidation, which were consistent with the acute findings on metabolic blood and tissue parameters. We conclude that, in addition to the well-investigated effects of CB1 receptor antagonists to reduce caloric intake and subsequently body weight, this pharmacological approach is additionally linked to inherently increased lipid oxidation. This oxidation is driven by persistently increased lipolysis from fat tissues, independently of reduced caloric intake, and might significantly contribute to the weight-reducing effect.