Animal models of eating disorders

Neuroscience. 2012 Jun 1:211:2-12. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.03.024. Epub 2012 Mar 21.

Abstract

Feeding is a fundamental process for basic survival and is influenced by genetics and environmental stressors. Recent advances in our understanding of behavioral genetics have provided a profound insight on several components regulating eating patterns. However, our understanding of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating, is still poor. The animal model is an essential tool in the investigation of eating behaviors and their pathological forms, yet development of an appropriate animal model for eating disorders still remains challenging due to our limited knowledge and some of the more ambiguous clinical diagnostic measures. Therefore, this review will serve to focus on the basic clinical features of eating disorders and the current advances in animal models of eating disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anorexia Nervosa* / diagnosis
  • Anorexia Nervosa* / physiopathology
  • Anorexia Nervosa* / psychology
  • Binge-Eating Disorder / diagnosis
  • Binge-Eating Disorder / physiopathology
  • Binge-Eating Disorder / psychology
  • Bulimia Nervosa* / diagnosis
  • Bulimia Nervosa* / physiopathology
  • Bulimia Nervosa* / psychology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Humans