Investigating the Central and Peripheral Mechanisms by Which Glucocorticoids Affect Hunger

Investigating the Central and Peripheral Mechanisms by Which Glucocorticoids Affect Hunger

The purpose of this study is to examine if glucocorticoids will change neural activation in regions of the corticolimbic-striatal system that regulate feeding.

The primary hypothesis tested in this study will be to determine if that in response to food cues, glucocorticoids will change neural activation in regions of the corticolimbic-striatal system that regulate feeding. It is anticipate that these changes will correlate with hunger ratings and food intake. Further, this research will also examine if glucocorticoids will increase the basal metabolic rate and alter multiple systemic appetite-regulating hormones compared to saline. It is expected that these changes will correlate positively with hunger ratings and food intake as well.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI < = 26 kg/m2
• Ability to read and write English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Creatinine > 1.5
• Hgb < 10 mg/dL
• ALT > 2.5 x ULN
• Untreated thyroid disease
• Uncontrolled or severe hypertension
• Known neurological disorders
• Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
• Untreated or severe psychiatric disorders
• Malignancy
• Endogenous hypercortisolism
• Addison's disease
• Bleeding disorders
• Smoking
• Current or recent steroid use in the last 3 months
• Illicit drug use
• Eating disorders
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• History of claustrophobia
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Contraindications to MRI
• Use of any psychoactive medication within the past 3 months