Neuropsychopharmacology of appetite in healthy volunteers

Thomas, Jason Michael (2015). Neuropsychopharmacology of appetite in healthy volunteers. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis aimed to develop an Experimental Medicine Model for the assessment of the potential efficacy and psychiatric safety of novel anti-obesity drugs. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction. In Chapter 2, a Universal Eating Monitor (UEM) detected the satiety enhancing effects of an appetite suppressant drug (meta-chlorophenylpiperazine – mCPP) and the P1vital® Oxford Emotional Test Battery (ETB) suggested an absence of psychiatric side-effects. In Chapter 3, UEM measures of eating behaviour were similar whether or not the participants were aware of the UEM. Chapter 4 presents two studies providing evidence that 1) repeated use of the ETB is feasible and 2) performance on the ETB is not affected by satiety. In Chapter 5, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to identify a profile of natural satiety. In Chapter 6, mCPP reduced brain activity to high calorie food images. It also reduced consumption of a palatable cookie snack but not a pasta meal. Analysis of individual differences to the drug showed that brain activity predicted anorectic response. Chapter 7 concludes that the Experimental Medicine Model may be valuable for the development of efficacious and safe appetite suppressant drugs, providing data to inform go/no go decisions in early phase clinical trials.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):