Anorexia induced by chronic central administration of cytokines at estimated pathophysiological concentrations.

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induce acute anorexia by direct action in the central nervous system (CNS) at estimated pathophysiological concentrations reported in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cytokine-induced anorexia may also participate in the long-term anorexia observed during disease. Here, we studied the effects of chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinfusion (through osmotic minipumps) of various cytokines on feeding and drinking in rats.