This is suggested by a variety of evidence in rodents, showing that endogenous CXCR4 expression is positively associated with behaviors like locomotor activity and depression that are linked to excess consummatory behavior [138]; maternal administration of CXCL12 increases anxiety in the offspring that is often associated with alcohol drinking [135]; and CXCL12 injection into the third ventricle stimulates the consumption of a palatable high-fat diet [134]. This evidence concerns the gene CXCR4 and major depressive disorder.