Development of a Behavioral and Imaging Model of Feeding in Planarians

  • B. Raffa R
  • S. Tallarida C
  • R. Patel S
  • et al.
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Abstract

Excess weight is a major risk factor for type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other comorbidities. Animal models of feeding provide insight into the problem and provide a means for the discovery and evaluation of pharmacotherapeutic treatment. Mammalian models are the most commonly used, but recently non-mammalian models have been utilized (e.g., C. elegans). Planarians provide an intermediate model. They are the earliest extant animal with a primitive brain-like structure and are a convenient model of mammalian behavioral endpoints and drug-induced effects. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a quantitative measure of presumptive feeding behavior could be visualized using an imaging technique. Colored food pellets were prepared and in some experiments, plasmid-delivered green fluorescent protein was added. Both visible and fluorescence microscopy displayed clear indication of internalization of the red dye and localization to the digestive system. This new methodology establishes a convenient way to study normal physiological feeding behavior as well as modifications induced by drugs or other exogenous substances.

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B. Raffa, R., S. Tallarida, C., R. Patel, S., M. Rawls, S., & Krynetskiy, E. (2012). Development of a Behavioral and Imaging Model of Feeding in Planarians. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 03(03), 364–367. https://doi.org/10.4236/pp.2012.33049

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