The effect of motilin on food intake was investigated in nonfood-deprived mice. A significant increase in food intake was observed 1 h after ICV administration of motilin (3 nmol/mouse) and continued for 2 h. This effect was attenuated markedly by the motilin receptor antagonist GM-109 (0.3-3 nmol/mouse) in a dose-related manner. GM-109 alone had no effect on food intake. These results indicate that motilin receptors are present in the brain and may have a role in the regulation of food intake.