Interactions between postprandial thermogenesis, sensory
stimulation of feeding and hunger.
Leblanc, Jacques, and Julie Soucy.
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Laval University,
Quebec City, Quebec, CANADA, G1K 7P4
APStracts 3:0135R, 1996.
An early thermogenic response has been described following the
ingestion of palatable food. This study was designed to investigate
the possible relationship between this so-called cephalic response,
the sensory stimulation of feeding and the declining feeling of
hunger as the meal progresses. Oxygen consumption, carbohydrate and
lipid oxidation as well as ratings of hunger were measured in four
experimental situations in which the subjects, after overnight fast
ate either 2?small caramel cakes at one time or the same amount of
calories divided in 8 portions which were eaten at 10?min intervals.
The third experiment, the sham-feeding experiment, was similar to the
last one except that the food after being chewed was spit out instead
of being swallowed. A control experiment was added when no food was
given but during which the subject mimicked the act of chewing as was
done in the preceding experiment. A small increase in O2 consumed was
observed in the control experiment. Following the one meal experiment
the increase was larger for the first 90?min and declined thereafter.
During the first 40?min of the sham feeding experiment O2 consumption
increased more than when the 8?meals were eaten indicating that
during this period the sensory stimulation per se is responsible for
the cephalic thermic response to food. At 90?min the ratings of
hunger were diminished not only when the 8?meals were fed but with
the 8?sham meals as well showing the role of sensory stimulation in
the control of hunger. These results indicate a possible causal
relationship between the cephalic thermogenesis, the control of
hunger and the prandial sensory stimulations.
Received 27 November 1995; accepted in final form 25 March 1995.
APS Manuscript Number R739-5.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Regulatory Integrative
Comp. Physiology).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1996 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 16 April 96