Persistent dynamic phase of aurothioglucose obesity

¹ Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City

Continuous long-term observations on food intake, body weight, and the development of obesity were made on the survivors of an ld₅₀ dose of aurothioglucose (ATG). ATG-obese mice consumed significantly greater amounts of food compared to ATG-nonobese and control animals from the 2nd to the 13th months of observation. The daily food consumption of obese animals remained relatively constant from the inception of hyperphagia to senescence. Food intake in the two control groups remained constant throughout 18 months of observation. Throughout the latter time period the obese animals had significantly greater weights than their ATG-nonobese and control littermates. No significant differences in weights were noted between ATG-nonobese mice and controls during the total period of observation. Obese mice progressively gained weight until the 12th month, after which a gradual decline was observed. At no time was a weight plateau evident. It is concluded that the long-term progressive weight gain in ATG-obese mice is consistent with a persistent dynamic phase of obesity until senescence.

Key Words: food intake • body weight • hyperphagia

Submitted on April 3, 1963