The hypothalamus and the control of energy homeostasis: different circuits, different purposes

Age-dependent hypothalamic expression of neuropeptides in wild-type and melanocortin-4 receptor-deficient mice

In young (35- to 56-day-old) and middle-aged (9-mo-old) wild-type (+/+) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R)-deficient (+/−, −/−) mice, expressions of neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AGRP), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and cocaine-and-amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) were analyzed in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and adjacent regions comprising the dorsomedial (DMN) and ventromedial (VMN) nucleus. In the ARC of young mice, NPY and AGRP expression increased and POMC and CART expression decreased with body fat content. Adjusting for the influence of body fat content by ANCOVA showed that the levels of NPY, POMC, and CART were highest and of AGRP lowest in young −/− mice. In the middle-aged mice, feedback from body fat content was weakened. For −/− mice ANCOVA revealed higher NPY and AGRP, lower POMC, and unchanged CART expression levels relative to young −/− mice. In the DMN and VMN, POMC and AGRP signals were absent at each age. CART was expressed in the DMN independent of age, fat content, and genotype. For NPY expression, an age-dependent induction was found in the DMN and VMN; it was absent in the young but present in the middle-aged mice, showing close positive correlations between body fat content and the numbers of NPY-labeled cells which were further enhanced in −/− mice. Thus MC4R deficiency augments age-induced NPY expression in the DMN and VMN with no feedback from body fat content. Negative feedback control by body fat content on ARC neuropeptide expression is present in young animals but vanishes with age and is modulated by MC4R deficiency.

Alcoholism and obesity: overlapping neuropeptide pathways?

Ethanol is a caloric compound, and ethanol drinking and food intake are both appetitive and consummatory behaviors. Furthermore, both ethanol and food have rewarding properties. It is therefore possible that overlapping central pathways are involved with uncontrolled eating and excessive ethanol consumption. A growing list of peptides has been shown to regulate food intake and/or energy homeostasis. Peptides such as the melanocortins, corticotropin releasing factor, and cholecystokinin promote reductions of food intake while others such as galanin and neuropeptide Y stimulate feeding. The present review highlights research aimed at determining if ingestive peptides also regulate voluntary ethanol intake, with an emphasis on the melanocortins and neuropeptide Y. It is suggested that research directed at ingestive peptides may expand our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that drive ethanol self-administration, and may reveal new therapeutic candidates for treating alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

Short fasting dramatically decreases rat duodenal secretory responsiveness to orexin A but not to VIP or melatonin

Orexins are involved in the central nervous control of appetite and behavior, and in addition, they are present in endocrine cells and/or neurons in the intestine. The role of these peptides in peripheral regulation of intestinal secretion has not been investigated. We thus compared the effects of orexin A and some established secretagogues on duodenal HCO3- secretion in fed rats with effects in rats exposed to short (overnight) food deprivation. Rats were anesthetized with thiobarbiturate, a 12-mm segment of proximal duodenum with intact blood supply was cannulated in situ, and the alkaline secretion was titrated by pH stat. Secretagogues were supplied specifically to the duodenum by close intra-arterial infusion. Orexin A (60-600 pmol x kg(-1) x h(-1)) caused marked and dose-dependent stimulation of the duodenal secretion in fed animals but did not affect secretion in overnight food-deprived animals. Similarly, short fasting caused a 100-fold increase in the amount of the muscarinic agonist bethanechol (from 50 to 5,000 nmol x kg(-1) x h(-1)) required for stimulation of the secretion. In contrast, the secretory responses to VIP (50-1,000 pmol x kg(-1) x h(-1)) and melatonin (20-200 nmol x kg(-1) x h(-1)) were not affected. The appetite-regulating peptide orexin A is thus a stimulant of intestinal secretion, but the response to this peptide as well as the muscarinic agonist bethanechol is markedly dependent on previous intake of food. Overnight fasting is a standard experimental procedure in studies of gastrointestinal function and pathophysiology in humans and animals. Studies made on neuroendocrine control of intestinal secretion may require reevaluation with respect to feeding status.

Hypothalamus-brain stem circuitry responsible for vagal efferent signaling to the pancreas evoked by hypoglycemia in rat

Circulating glucose levels significantly affect vagal neural activity, which is important in the regulation of pancreatic functions. Little is known about the mechanisms involved. This study investigates the neural pathways responsible for hypoglycemia-induced vagal efferent signaling to the pancreas and identifies the neurotransmitters involved. Vagal pancreatic efferent nerve activities were recorded in anesthetized rats. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia, a decrease of blood glucose levels from 114 +/- 5 to 74 +/- 6 mg dl(-1), stimulated an increase in pancreatic efferent nerve firing from a basal rate of 1.1 +/- 0.3 to 19 +/- 3 impulses 30 s(-1). In contrast, vagal primary afferent neuronal discharges recorded in the nodose ganglia were unaltered by systemic hypoglycemia. Vagal afferent rootlet section plus splanchnicotomy had no effect on hypoglycemia-induced vagal efferent firing, suggesting a central site of action. Decerebration reduced the increase in nerve firing stimulated by hypoglycemia from 21 +/- 4 to 9.6 +/- 2 impulses 30 s(-1). Chemical ablation of the lateral hypothalamic area, but not the arcuate nucleus, inhibited pancreatic nerve firing evoked by hypoglycemia. Microinjection of the orexin-A receptor antagonist SB-334867 into the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) inhibited pancreatic nerve firing evoked by insulin-induced hypoglycemia by 56%. In contrast, injection of orexin-A (20 pmol) into the DMV elicited a 30-fold increase in pancreatic nerve firing. We concluded that systemic hypoglycemia stimulates pancreatic efferent nerve firing through a central mechanism. Full expression of pancreatic nerve activities during hypoglycemia requires both the forebrain and the brain stem. In addition to activating neurons in the brain stem, central neuroglucopenia activates subpopulations of neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area that contain orexin. The released orexin acts on DMV neurons to stimulate pancreatic efferent nerve activities and thus regulate pancreatic functions.

Changes in agouti-related peptide during the ring dove breeding cycle in relation to prolactin and parental hyperphagia

Ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) exhibit marked increases in food consumption and decreases in body weight when they are provisioning their young. This study examined changes in hypothalamic immunostaining for agouti-related peptide (AGRP), an endogenous melanocortin receptor antagonist and appetite stimulant, during the ring dove breeding cycle. Because prolactin is orexigenic in doves, and is elevated in blood at the onset of parental hyperphagia, we also explored the possibility that prolactin-induced hyperphagia is associated with AGRP changes. The numbers of AGRP-immunoreactive (ir) cells within the tuberal hypothalamus were maximal during the prelaying period of the breeding cycle but decreased dramatically during early incubation. AGRP-ir cell numbers began to increase again during late incubation and reached a peak during the early and late posthatching stages. Because posthatching elevations in AGRP-ir were temporally associated with marked elevations in parental food intake, and because AGRP is orexigenic in doves, these findings suggest that increased AGRP activity in the dove tuberal hypothalamus may contribute to parental hyperphagia. Rising prolactin secretion during late incubation and early posthatching may initiate this increase in AGRP-ir, since intracerebroventricular administration of prolactin significantly elevated food intake and AGRP-ir cell numbers in the tuberal hypothalamus of nonbreeding doves. Prolactin-induced elevations in AGRP-ir cell numbers persisted when the confounding effects of weight gain that accompany prolactin-induced hyperphagia in nonbreeding doves were eliminated by a food restriction procedure, thereby suggesting that prolactin can directly influence AGRP activity under neutral energy state conditions.

Obesity in patients with craniopharyngioma: assessment of food intake and movement counts indicating physical activity

Patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma (CP) often suffer from obesity. We evaluated two important etiological factors of obesity development, energy intake and physical activity. Energy intake was supposed to be high due to a disturbed hypothalamic regulation of appetite. We used a validated nutritional diary to determine the 1-wk food intake in 27 CP patients (12 with intrasellar tumors and 15 with hypothalamic tumors) and 1027 controls who were a representative sample of the 7- to 16-yr-old German population. In 2 accelerometry settings, we determined movement counts indicating physical activity. Nineteen CP patients were comparable to 26 controls for age and body mass index. One setting was a clinical one during weight reduction; the other was an out-patient setting. Daily energy intake was 1916 +/- 677 kcal (mean +/- SD) in intrasellar CP patients, 2075 +/- 877 kcal in hypothalamic CP patients, and 2476 +/- 815 kcal in non-CP controls. Patients suffering from CP showed fewer movement registrations [clinical setting, 228 vs. 298 cpm for obese controls (P = 0.01); out-patient setting, 228 vs. 282 cpm for controls (P = 0.08)]. Differences were most pronounced during leisure time (382 cpm in CP patients vs. 546 cpm in obese controls; P = 0.002; clinical setting). Our findings suggest that reduced physical activity, rather than increased energy intake, in CP patients is responsible for the obesity development noted in these subjects.

Hypothalamic malonyl-CoA as a mediator of feeding behavior

Previous studies showed that i.p. administration of C75, a potent inhibitor of fatty acid synthase (FAS), blocked fasting-induced up-regulation of orexigenic neuropeptides and down-regulation of anorexigenic neuropeptides in the hypothalami of mice. As a result, food intake and body weight were drastically reduced. Here we provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that hypothalamic malonyl-CoA, a substrate of FAS, is an indicator of global energy status and mediates the feeding behavior of mice. We use a sensitive recycling assay to quantify malonyl-CoA to show that the hypothalamic malonyl-CoA level is low in fasted mice and rapidly (< or = 2 h) increases (approximately 5-fold) on refeeding. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of C75 to fasted mice rapidly (< or = 2 h) increased (by 4-fold) hypothalamic malonyl-CoA and blocked feeding when the mice were presented with food. Moreover, prior i.c.v. administration of an acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor, 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid, rapidly (although only partially) prevented the C75-induced rise of hypothalamic malonyl-CoA and prevented the C75-induced decrease of food intake. These effects correlated closely with the rapid (< or = 2 h) and reciprocal effects of i.c.v. C75 on the expression of hypothalamic orexigenic (NPY and AgRP) and anorexigenic (proopiomelanocortin) neuropeptide mRNAs. Previous results showing that C75 administered i.c.v. rapidly activates hypothalamic neurons of the arcuate and paraventricular nuclei are consistent with the results reported in this paper. Together these findings suggest that level of hypothalamic malonyl-CoA, which depends on the relative activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and FAS, is an indicator of energy status and mediates feeding behavior.

Centrally administered ghrelin suppresses sympathetic nerve activity in brown adipose tissue of rats

To clarify the functional roles of ghrelin in regulating energy balance, we investigated the effects of a central infusion of ghrelin on food intake and the activity of the sympathetic nerve innervating brown adipose tissue (BAT), the site regulating energy expenditure in rodents. A bolus infusion of ghrelin at a dose of 1 nmol/rat into the third cerebral ventricle (i3vt) increased the 4 h cumulative food intake. I3vt infusion of ghrelin (1 nmol/rat) suppressed BAT sympathetic nerve activity, followed by a gradual recovery. In contrast, i3vt infusion of growth hormone (GH) at a dose of 0.5 nmol/rat induced a gradual increase in sympathetic nerve activity. The ghrelin infusion decreased BAT temperature, which recovered gradually, but did not affect rectal temperature. In conclusion, the central administration of ghrelin suppresses energy expenditure and thermogenesis in BAT via its inhibitory effect on BAT sympathetic nerve activity. Simultaneous GH secretion induced by ghrelin treatment may modulate the temporal course of the sympathetic nerve response to ghrelin. The stimulatory and inhibitory effects of ghrelin on energy intake and expenditure, respectively, may induce a positive energy balance, which, in turn, affects adiposity and body weight.

Medial preoptic area adrenergic receptors modulate glycemia and insulinemia in freely moving rats

In order to investigate the role of medial preoptic area (MPOA) adrenoceptors in regulation of plasma glucose and insulin secretion, we injected 40 nmol of noradrenaline, clonidine or isoproterenol into the MPOA of freely moving Wistar rats. The animals were fitted with chronic jugular catheters for blood sampling and unilateral intracerebral cannulae placed into MPOA. The results showed that noradrenaline injection into MPOA produced a rapid increase in plasma glucose levels and insulin secretion, reaching a peak at 15 min post stimulus (25% over basal, P<0.01) for plasma glucose and at 30 min for insulin secretion (94% over basal, P<0.05). Injection of the alpha2-adrenergic agonist clonidine into MPOA produced a faster, more intense and longer-lasting hyperglycemic response (69% over basal, P<0.01). In contrast to the noradrenaline effect on insulin secretion, clonidine markedly decreased plasma insulin levels, reaching a maximal suppression at 10 min (72% below basal, P<0.01). On the other hand, the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol only produced a small, transient increase in plasma glucose levels. When rats were pre-treated with guanethidine (10 mg/100 g, i.p.), despite reduced baseline of plasma glucose (35% smaller then control group, P<0.01) and increased plasma insulin baseline (300% higher then control group, P<0.01), they still showed a hyperglycemic response to noradrenaline injection into MPOA. We conclude that the activation of preoptic alpha2-adrenoceptors induced hyperglycemia and inhibit insulin secretion, probably by activation of the sympathoadrenal system that cannot be blocked by prior administration of guanethidine.

Effect of i.c.v. infusion of the alpha-MSH agonist MTII on meal patterns in male rats following nicotine withdrawal

The present study explored the role of endogenous alpha-MSH in the alteration of meal patterns induced by nicotine (NIC) withdrawal. Male Sprague Dawley rats bearing third ventricle cannulas were placed in computerized food intake monitors. On days 1-21, the rats were given 4 mg/kg/day of NIC or saline (SAL) in four equal i.p. doses during the dark period. NIC suppressed (P < 0.05) food intake only during the first week. The normalization of food intake occurred when the reduced meal size of the NIC injected rats was countered by an increase in meal number. Despite the normalization of 24-h food intake, body weight in NIC rats was decreased (P < 0.05) for 21 days. On day 22, the rats were divided into 4 groups (n's = 7-8 each) and injected into the third ventricle with various doses of the alpha-MSH agonist MTII or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF): SAL + aCSF, SAL + MTII, NIC + aCSF, NIC + MTII. Infusion of MTII (30 ng/rat) suppressed (P < 0.01) dark phase food intake in both groups, but the NIC + MTII group ate (P < 0.05) more than the SAL + MTII group. Meal number during the dark phase was suppressed by MTII, but the NIC + MTII group took significantly more meals that the SAL + MTII group. Infusion of MTII suppressed meal size in SAL and NIC treated rats, but this effect was attenuated in NIC treated rats. All meal parameters normalized by the day after i.c.v. infusion. These data indicate that NIC treatment differentially affects the neural controls of meal number and meal size and attenuates the suppression by MTII of meal number and meal size.

Obliteration of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone derived from POMC in pituitary and brains of PC2-deficient mice

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a neuropeptide expressed in pituitary and brain that is known to regulate energy balance, appetite control, and neuroimmune functions. The biosynthesis of alpha-MSH requires proteolytic processing of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor. Therefore, this study investigated the in vivo role of the prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) processing enzyme for production of alpha-MSH in PC2-deficient mice. Specific detection of alpha-MSH utilized radioimmunoassay (RIA) that does not crossreact with the POMC precursor, and which does not crossreact with other adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and beta-endorphin peptide products derived from POMC. alpha-MSH in PC2-deficient mice was essentially obliterated in pituitary, hypothalamus, cortex, and other brain regions (collectively), compared to wild-type controls. These results demonstrate the critical requirement of PC2 for the production of alpha-MSH. The absence of alpha-MSH was accompanied by accumulation of ACTH, ACTH-containing imtermediates, and POMC precursor. ACTH was increased in pituitary and hypothalamus of PC2-deficient mice, evaluated by RIA and reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Accumulation of ACTH demonstrates its role as a PC2 substrate that can be converted for alpha-MSH production. Further analyses of POMC-derived intermediates in pituitary, conducted by denaturing western blot conditions, showed accumulation of ACTH-containing intermediates in pituitaries of PC2-deficient mice, which implicate participation of such intermediates as PC2 substrates. Moreover, accumulation of POMC was observed in PC2-deficient mice by western blots with anti-ACTH and anti-beta-endorphin. In addition, increased beta-endorphin1-31 was observed in pituitary and hypothalamus of PC2-deficient mice, suggesting beta-endorphin1-31 as a substrate for PC2 in these tissues. Overall, these studies demonstrated that the PC2 processing enzyme is critical for the in vivo production of alpha-MSH in pituitary and brain.

Developmental control of foraging and social behavior by the Drosophila neuropeptide Y-like system

Animals display stereotyped behavioral modifications during development, but little is known about how genes and neural circuits are regulated to turn on/off behaviors. Here we report that Drosophila neuropeptide F (dNPF), a human NPY homolog, coordinates larval behavioral changes during development. The brain expression of npf is high in larvae attracted to food, whereas its downregulation coincides with the onset of behaviors of older larvae, including food aversion, hypermobility, and cooperative burrowing. Loss of dNPF signaling in young transgenic larvae led to the premature display of behavioral phenotypes associated with older larvae. Conversely, dNPF overexpression in older larvae prolonged feeding, and suppressed hypermobility and cooperative burrowing behaviors. The dNPF system provides a new paradigm for studying the central control of cooperative behavior.

The cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR 141716 attenuates overfeeding induced by systemic or intracranial morphine

RATIONALE

Considerable interplay exists between the brain's opioid and cannabinoid systems. These systems are both involved in the control of appetite and research supports the notion that the opioid system modulates the role of the cannabinoid system on appetite. However, the ability of the cannabinoid system to modulate the opioid system's control over appetite has not been well studied.

OBJECTIVES

The present study examined the role of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors in the control of opioid-induced feeding, and sought to identify specific brain regions underlying this role.

METHODS

After being habituated to the test environment and injection procedure, sated rats were injected with the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist SR 141716 (0.03-3.0 mg/kg, IP). Thirty minutes later, morphine or its vehicle were administered systemically (2.5 mg/kg SC, experiments 1 and 2) or intracranially into the nucleus accumbens (nAcc, experiment 3) or paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN, experiment 4). Food intake and locomotor activity was then recorded for 120 min.

RESULTS

A significant increase in food intake was observed following systemic and intracranial (10 nmol) application of morphine in all experiments. SR 141716 suppressed systemic and intra-PVN morphine induced feeding (experiments 2 and 4), but did not attenuate food intake induced by intra-nAcc application of morphine (experiment 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Because SR 141716 had no effect on intra-nAcc morphine-stimulated feeding, it would appear that cannabinoid receptors do not modify opioid-mediated hedonic responses to food. Rather, we conclude that cannabinoid CB(1) receptor blockade may suppress opioid-induced feeding by stimulating the release of satiety-related peptides within the hypothalamus. Further, because SR 141716 did not block morphine induced locomotor activity, the observed effects on feeding do not appear to be due to a non-specific reduction in motivated behaviour.

Links between the appetite regulating systems and the neuroendocrine hypothalamus: lessons from the sheep

The hypothalamus is integral to the regulation of energy homeostasis and the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. Consequently, hypothalamic systems may have a dual purpose in regulating both neuroendocrine function and appetite. To date, most studies investigating the interface between appetite and hormone secretion have been performed in rats or mice that have been acutely fasted or baring a genetic abnormality causing either obesity or aphagia. By contrast, various physiological models, including chronic food-restriction or photoperiodically driven changes in voluntary food intake, add further perspective to the issue. In this regard, sheep provide an innovative model whereby long-term changes in body weight or extended feeding rhythms can be investigated. This review compares and contrasts data obtained in different species with regard to the neuroendocrinology of appetite, and discusses the benefits and knowledge gained from using various nonrodent models with a particular emphasis on a ruminant species.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor regulates energy balance downstream of melanocortin-4 receptor

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is critically involved in regulating energy balance, and obesity has been observed in mice with mutations in the gene for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Here we report that BDNF is expressed at high levels in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) where its expression is regulated by nutritional state and by MC4R signaling. In addition, similar to MC4R mutants, mouse mutants that expresses the BDNF receptor TrkB at a quarter of the normal amount showed hyperphagia and excessive weight gain on higher-fat diets. Furthermore, BDNF infusion into the brain suppressed the hyperphagia and excessive weight gain observed on higher-fat diets in mice with deficient MC4R signaling. These results show that MC4R signaling controls BDNF expression in the VMH and support the hypothesis that BDNF is an important effector through which MC4R signaling controls energy balance.

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone is a peripheral, integrative regulator of glucose and fat metabolism

Melanocortins are known to affect feeding and probably insulin activity through the central nervous system. It was also recently shown that peripheral alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) administration can reduce weight gain in both genetic and diet-induced obese mice. As obesity is often associated with disregulation of glucose and insulin, we investigated the nature of glucose homeostasis in the obese pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) knockout mouse. Here we report that though they are obese, mice deficient in POMC (and, thereby, deficient in alpha-MSH) are euglycemic throughout their lives. While these mice are euinsulinemic, they are hypersensitive to exogenous insulin. This defect can be reversed through administration of alpha-MSH. We demonstrate that the actions of alpha-MSH in the periphery, known from our work to include lipid metabolism effects, are also involved in glucose homeostasis. These findings substantiate a pivotal role of the POMC gene products in integrating metabolism.

Unopposed orexic pathways in the developing fetus

Fetal swallowing has important roles in fetal gastrointestinal development, and perhaps fetal somatic growth and maturation. Ingestive behavioral responses must develop in utero to provide for acquisition of water and food intake during the neonatal period. At birth, the rat, ovine and human fetus have developed mechanisms to acquire food via intact mechanisms of taste, suckling and swallowing. Our preliminary studies suggest that in sheep and likely in human fetuses, putative orexic-mediated ingestive responses are present near term gestation. We hypothesize that both orexic (appetite) and satiety mechanisms develop during the last third of gestation and the related neurotransmitters involved in this process are functional. The potential in utero imprinting of orexic mechanisms may influence infant, childhood and ultimately adult appetite "set-points". Thus, dysfunctional appetite, and perhaps obesity, may result from maternal environmental influences during critical stages of development.

Role of leptin in the control of feeding of goldfish Carassius auratus: interactions with cholecystokinin, neuropeptide Y and orexin A, and modulation by fasting

To assess the role of leptin on food intake regulation in goldfish, we examined the effects of central (intracerebroventricular, ICV) and peripheral (intraperitoneal, IP) injections of recombinant murine leptin on feeding behavior. Centrally (100 ng/g) and peripherally (300 ng/g) injected leptin both caused a significant decrease in food intake, compared to the saline-treated controls. To test the hypothesis that leptin influenced orexigenic neuropeptide systems in goldfish, fish were co-injected with neuropeptide Y (NPY) or orexin A and leptin. Both NPY (5 ng/g) and orexin A (10 ng/g) significantly increased food intake. Fish co-injected ICV with NPY (5 ng/g) or orexin A (10 ng/g) and leptin (1 or 10 ng/g) had a food intake lower than that of fish treated with NPY or orexin A alone. NPY mRNA expression in goldfish brain was reduced 2 and 6 h following central injection of leptin. To test the hypothesis that the cholecystokinin (CCK) mediates the effects of leptin in goldfish, fish were simultaneously injected ICV with an ineffective dose of leptin (10 ng/g) and either ICV or IP with an ineffective doses of CCK (1 ng/g ICV or 25 ng/g IP). These fish had a food intake lower than vehicle-treated fish, suggesting that leptin potentiates the satiety actions of CCK. CCK hypothalamic mRNA expression was increased 2 h following central treatment with leptin. The CCK receptor antagonist proglumide blocked both central and peripheral CCK satiety effects. Blockade of CCK brain receptors by proglumide resulted in an inhibition of the leptin-induced decrease in food intake and an attenuation of the inhibiting action of leptin on both NPY- and orexin A-induced feeding. These data suggests that CCK has a role in mediating the effects of leptin on food intake. Fasting potentiated the actions of leptin and attenuated the effects of CCK. Whereas fasting had no effects on the brain mRNA expression of CCK, it increased the brain mRNA expression of NPY and decreased the expression of CART. These changes in neuropeptide expression were partially reversed when fish were treated ICV with leptin. These results provide strong evidence that, in goldfish, leptin influences food intake, in part by modulating the orexigenic effects of NPY and orexin and that its actions are mediated, at least in part, by CCK.

Effect of the anorectic fatty acid synthase inhibitor C75 on neuronal activity in the hypothalamus and brainstem

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of C75, a fatty acid synthase inhibitor, causes a rapid (<or=2-h) and persistent (to at least 24-h) approximately 95% decrease in food intake. The persistent effect seems to be due to inhibition of the fasting-induced up-regulation of expression of hypothalamic orexigenic neuropeptides neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein and down-regulation of expression of anorexigenic neuropeptides pro-opiomelanocortinalpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and cocaine-amphetamine-related transcript. The effect of C75 on neuronal activity in the hypothalamus and brainstem was assessed by c-Fos expression. Consistent with its effect on neuropeptide expression, C75 blocked fasting-induced c-Fos expression in the arcuate nucleus (Arc), lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) 10-24 h after i.p. injection. However, i.p. C75 induced a rapid (<or=2-h) c-Fos expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and area postrema of the brainstem but not in the Arc or LHA. Intracerebroventricular administration of C75 rapidly induced c-Fos expression in the Arc, PVN, and NTS, supporting a central role of C75 in the regulation of food intake. Thus, suppression of food intake by C75 administered i.p. seems to be mediated in two phases, a rapid initial phase via the NTSarea postrema of the brainstem and a delayed phase via the Arc, LHA, and PVN of the hypothalamus. The delayed effect of C75 on the Arc, LHA, and PVN correlates well with its ability to interfere with the fasting-induced effects on the expression of key orexigenic (neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein) and anorexigenic (pro-opiomelanocortinalpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and cocaine-amphetamine-related transcript) messages in the hypothalamus.

Hypothalamic gene expression in long-term fasted rats: relationship with body fat

Many hypothalamic neuropeptides are involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and feeding behavior. We have investigated whether and to what extent neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AGRP), melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), and prepro-orexin (prepro-OX) as well as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) mRNA levels are affected in rat hypothalamus. An experimental model of long-term fasting rat characterized by three metabolic phases from changes in lipid and protein utilization was used. Except for prepro-OX and compared to fed group, starvation induced an increase in the orexigenic gene expressions that was much more marked in phase 3 (by 2.5-, 8.1-, and 13.5-fold for MCH, AGRP, and NPY, respectively) than in phase 2 (by about 1.5-2.2-fold as an average) of fasting. AGRP and NPY mRNA levels were inversely related to body fat content. Anorexigenic gene expression was only slightly affected at both fasting stages. We conclude that the regulation of NPY and AGRP gene expression is primarily involved during late fasting and could mediate the concomitant enhanced drive for refeeding.

Evaluation of hypothalamic gene expression in mice divergently selected for heat loss

Mouse lines divergently selected for heat loss were evaluated for correlated responses in the hypothalamic transcriptome. High (MH) heat loss mice have approximately 50% greater heat loss, approximately 35% less body fat, approximately 20% greater feed intake, approximately 100% greater locomotor activity levels, and higher core body temperature compared with low (ML) heat loss mice. We evaluated hypothalamic expression between inbred lines derived from MH and ML lines (IH and IL, respectively) using cDNA microarrays and selected genes previously isolated in a large differential-display PCR experiment. Northern analysis was used to confirm differences, revealing higher hypothalamic mRNA expression of oxytocin (Oxt) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (Timp-2) in the IH line. Real-time PCR assays were developed for Oxt, Timp-2, and ribosomal protein L3 (Rpl3, previously found to be upregulated in IL) and confirmed differential expression of these genes with potential physiological relevance in energy balance. These results provide information on correlated responses in the transcriptome of mice selected for high and low energy expenditure and reveal new information regarding genetic regulation of energy balance.

The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716 increases Acrp30 mRNA expression in adipose tissue of obese fa/fa rats and in cultured adipocyte cells

This study investigates the effects of SR141716, a selective CB(1) receptor antagonist that reduces food intake and body weight of rodents, on Acrp30 mRNA expression in adipose tissue. Acrp30, a plasma protein exclusively expressed and secreted by adipose tissue, has been shown to induce free fatty acid oxidation, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia decrease, and body weight reduction. We report that N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboximide hydrochloride (SR141716) treatment once daily (10 mg/kg/d, i.p.) from 2 to 14 days reduced body weight and stimulated Acrp30 mRNA expression in adipose tissue of obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats. In parallel, the hyperinsulinemia associated with this animal model was reduced by SR141716 treatment. In cultured mouse adipocytes (3T3 F442A), SR141716 (25 to 100 nM) also induced an overexpression of Acrp30 mRNA and protein. In addition, in adipose tissue of CB(1)-receptor knockout mice, SR141716 had no effect on Acrp30 mRNA expression, demonstrating a CB(1) receptor mediating effect. Furthermore, RT-PCR analysis revealed that rat adipose tissue and 3T3 F442A adipocytes expressed CB(1) receptor mRNA. Relative quantification of this expression revealed an up-regulation (3- to 4-fold) of CB(1) receptor mRNA expression in adipose tissue of obese (fa/fa) rats and in differentiated 3T3 F442A adipocytes compared with lean rats and undifferentiated adipocytes, respectively. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of CB(1) receptors in 3T3 F442A adipocytes, and their expression was up-regulated in differentiated cells. These results show that SR141716 stimulated Acrp30 mRNA expression in adipose tissue by an effect on adipocytes, and reduced hyperinsulinemia in obese (fa/fa) rats. These hormonal regulations may participate in the body weight reduction induced by SR141716 and suggest a role of metabolic regulation in the antiobesity effect of SR141716.

GABAA receptor epsilon subunit expression in identified peptidergic neurons of the rat hypothalamus

Dual-labeling immunohistochemical or in situ hybridization studies for the recently cloned epsilon-subunit and several neuropeptides were performed in the rat hypothalamus. We revealed an extensive co-expression (>90%) with hypocretin (Hcrt), oxytocin (OT), the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) peptides, whereas occasional co-expression (<10%) with cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) was found. Our results suggest that novel GABA(A) receptor subtypes comprising epsilon-subunit are important for metabolic and neuroendocrine functions.

Orexin neurons express a functional pancreatic polypeptide Y4 receptor

The receptor subtypes that mediate the effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on food intake have not been clearly defined. The NPY Y4 receptor has been identified recently as a potential mediator of the regulation of food intake. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the central site of action of the Y4 receptor using a combination of neuroanatomical and physiological approaches. Using immunocytochemistry, Y4-like immunoreactivity was found to be colocalized with orexin cell bodies in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and orexin fibers throughout the brain. In situ hybridization confirmed the expression of Y4 mRNA in orexin neurons. To determine the functional interaction between Y4 receptors and orexin neurons, we examined the effects of rat pancreatic polypeptide (rPP), a Y4-selective ligand, or NPY, a nonselective ligand, administered directly into the LHA on the stimulation of food and water intake and c-Fos expression. Both rPP and NPY significantly increased food and water intake when they were administered into the LHA, although NPY was a more potent stimulator of food intake. Furthermore, both NPY and rPP significantly stimulated c-Fos expression in the LHA. However, whereas rPP stimulated c-Fos expression in orexin neurons, NPY did not. Neither rPP nor NPY stimulated c-Fos in melanin-concentrating hormone neurons, but both activated neurons of an unknown phenotype in the LHA. These results suggest that a functional Y4 receptor is expressed on orexin neurons and that these neurons are activated in response to a ligand with high affinity for the Y4 receptor (rPP). Although these data suggest a role for central Y4 receptors, the endogenous ligand for this receptor has yet to be clearly established.

Nicotine administration decreases neuropeptide Y expression and increases leptin receptor expression in the hypothalamus of food-deprived rats

The effects of nicotine on the expressions of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and leptin receptor in the rat hypothalamus were investigated via immunohistochemistry. The results show that NPY expression is not affected in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) and is increased only slightly in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) by nicotine administration under normal (i.e. fed) conditions and that leptin receptor expression is decreased slightly in the ARN and not affected in the PVN following nicotine treatment under the same conditions. Food deprivation enhanced NPY and suppressed leptin receptor expression in the ARN and PVN of the hypothalamus. Nicotine administration resulted in decreased NPY and increased leptin receptor levels.

Brain insulin: regulation, mechanisms of action and functions

1. While many questions remained unanswered, it is now well documented that, contrary to earlier views, insulin is an important neuromodulator, contributing to neurobiological processes, in particular energy homeostasis and cognition. A specific role on cognitive functions related to feeding is proposed, and it is suggested that brain insulin from different sources might be involved in the above vital functions in health and disease. 2. A molecule identical to pancreatic insulin, and specific insulin receptors, are found widely distributed in the central nervous system networks related to feeding, reproduction, or cognition. 3. The actions of insulin in the central nervous system may be under both multilevel and multifactorial controls. The amount of blood insulin reaching the brain, brain insulin stores and secretion, potential local biosynthesis and degradation of the peptide, and insulin receptors and signal transduction can be affected by metabolic factors induced by nutrients, hormones, neurotransmitters, and regulatory peptides, peripherally or in the central nervous system. 4. Glucose and serotonin regulate insulin directly in the hypothalamus and may be of importance for its biological effects. Central mechanisms regulating glucose-induced insulin secretion show some analogy with the mechanisms operating in the pancreas. 5. A cross-talk between insulin and leptin receptors has been observed in the brain, and a regulation of central insulin actions, potentially via serotonin modulation, by leptin, galanin, melancortins, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) is suggested. 6. A more complete knowledge of the biological role of insulin in brain function and dysfunction, and of the regulatory mechanisms involved in these processes, constitutes a real advancement in the understanding of the pathophysiology of metabolic and mental diseases and could lead to important medical benefits.

Increased locomotor activity, increased food and water intake and decreased PVN neurons in H1 calponin gene-deficient mice

Calponin (h1 or basic) is an actin-binding protein that is expressed abundantly in smooth muscle. Our previous study using h1 calponin-null mutant mice demonstrated that h1 calponin inhibits the shortening velocity of smooth muscle contraction without significantly affecting the amplitude of force production. Furthermore, early onset of osteogenesis and increased bone formation have been reported in mutated mice. In the present study, we examined the effect of h1 calponin depletion on the metabolism and behavior of mice and found that the mutated mice showed increased locomotor activity, as well as increased intake of food and water, associated with the decreased number of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN).

Glucose regulates the release of orexin-a from the endocrine pancreas

Orexins (hypocretins) are novel neuropeptides that appear to play a role in the regulation of energy balances. Orexin-A (OXA) increases food intake in rodents, and fasting activates OXA neurons in both the lateral hypothalamic area and gut. OXA is also found in the endocrine pancreas; however, little is known about its release or functional significance. In this study, we show that depolarizing stimuli evoke the release of OXA from rat pancreatic islets in a calcium-dependent manner. Moreover, OXA release is stimulated by low glucose (2.8 mmol/l), similar to glucagon secretion, and inhibited by high glucose (16.7 mmol/l). Fasting increases plasma OXA, supporting the idea that orexin is released in response to hypoglycemia. Cells that secrete glucagon and insulin contain OXA and both cell types express orexin receptors. OXA increases glucagon secretion and decreases glucose-stimulated insulin release from isolated islets. OXA infusion increases plasma glucagon and glucose levels and decreases plasma insulin in fasted rats. We conclude that orexin-containing islet cells, like those in the brain and gut, are glucosensitive and part of a network of glucose "sensing" cells that becomes activated when blood glucose levels fall. OXA may modulate islet hormone secretion to maintain blood glucose levels during fasting.

Pro-nociceptin/orphanin FQ and NOP receptor mRNA levels in the forebrain of food deprived rats

Forebrain injections of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), the endogenous ligand of the NOP opioid receptor, previously referred to as ORL1 or OP4 receptor, stimulate feeding in freely feeding rats, while the NOP receptor antagonist [Nphe(1)]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) inhibits food deprivation-induced feeding. To further evaluate whether the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system plays a physiological role in feeding control, the present study evaluated forebrain mRNA levels for the N/OFQ precursor (pro-N/OFQ), as well as for the NOP receptor in food deprived rats. The results obtained show that food deprived rats have lower mRNA levels for the NOP receptor in several forebrain regions; a significant reduction was found in the paraventricular and lateral hypothalamic nuclei and in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Food deprived rats also exhibited lower pro-N/OFQ mRNA levels in the central amygdala. These results suggest that the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system may have a physiological role in feeding control. The observation that food deprivation reduces gene expression of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system is apparently not consistent with a direct hyperphagic action for N/OFQ. Taking into account that N/OFQ exerts inhibitory actions at cellular level, the present results may be in keeping with the hypothesis that N/OFQ stimulates feeding by inhibiting neurons inhibitory for food intake; under conditions of food deprivation, these neurons may be silent and the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system, which controls them, may also be regulated at a lower level. Consistently, in the present study N/OFQ stimulated food intake in freely feeding rats, but did not further increase feeding in food deprived rats.

Hypothalamic regulation of energy homeostasis

The co-ordinated regulation of food intake and energy expenditure takes place in the hypothalamic regions of the brain. Current understanding of the systems involved in this regulation suggests that, in the hypothalamus, there are two major groups of neuropeptides involved in orexigenic and anorexic processes. The orexigenic neuropeptides are neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and the anorexic neuropeptides are alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and cocaine and amphetamine-related transcript (CART). Theneurons expressing these neuropeptides interact with each other and with signals from the periphery (such as leptin, insulin, ghrelin and glucocorticoids) to regulate feeding behaviour, energy expenditure and various endocrine axes. Although direct evidence is limited, there are examples of genetic obesity in humans which suggest that the balance between orexigenic and anorexic pathways in the hypothalamus is also pivotally important in the maintenance of energy homeostasis in humans.

Neuroendocrine regulation of eating behavior

The dual center hypothesis in the central control of energy balance originates from the first observations performed more than 5 decades ago with brain lesioning and stimulation experiments. On the basis of these studies the "satiety center" was located in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, since lesions of this region caused overfeeding and excessive weight gain, while its electrical stimulation suppressed eating. On the contrary, lesioning or stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus elicited the opposite set of responses, thus leading to the conclusion that this area represented the "feeding center". The subsequent expansion of our knowledge of specific neuronal subpopulations involved in energy homeostasis has replaced the notion of specific "centers" controlling energy balance with that of discrete neuronal pathways fully integrated in a more complex neuronal network. The advancement of our knowledge on the anatomical structure and the function of the hypothalamic regions reveals the great complexity of this system. Given the aim of this review, we will focus on the major structures involved in the control of energy balance.

Localization of messenger RNAs encoding enzymes associated with malonyl-CoA metabolism in mouse brain

Malonyl-CoA acts a fuel sensor in the pancreas, liver and muscle. Similarly, malonyl-CoA is implicated in satiety regulation in the brain. Expression of genes encoding enzymes implicated in regulation of malonyl-CoA levels was examined in murine brain. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) alpha-isoform, fatty acid synthase and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase are highly expressed in the hippocampus, habenula nucleus, cerebral cortex and areas of the hypothalamus, whereas the ACC-beta isoform and liver-type carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPTI-L) are principally expressed in the choroid plexus. Thus different brain regions appear to be functionally configured primarily for either fatty acid synthesis or beta-oxidation. Localization of transcripts encoding enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis and beta-oxidation in distinct nuclei of the hypothalamus supports a role for malonyl-CoA as a potential effector of satiety.

Melanin-concentrating hormone neuron system: the Wide Web that controls the feeding

Recent evidence indicates that the hypothalamic control system of food intake involves many feeding-related neuropeptides. Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), one of a group of potent orexigenic peptides, is exclusively produced in neurons of the lateral hypothalamic area that give off fibers to the widespread brain regions. The receptor of MCH was recently identified to be localized in cell bodies and dendritic processes of particular neurons throughout the brain, in close spatial relation to MCH fibers. Leptin, an anorectic hormone secreted from the adipose tissue, acts on the specific receptor present on its target neurons in the brain, and suppresses the expression of both MCH and its receptor. Leptin receptor and STAT3, a transcription factor mediating the leptin signaling, are distributed in the widespread brain regions including the cerebral neocortex, hippocampal formation and lower brainstem as well as the hypothalamus where MCH fibers and the MCH receptor are abundantly present. These findings suggest that MCH exerts the effect through its specific receptor distributed throughout the brain and that the function of MCH is influenced by the condition of peripheral energy balance via leptin, the leptin receptor and STAT3, not only in the hypothalamus, but also in other brain regions. In the brain, MCH might be involved in various feeding-related functions, such as appetite, food-searching behavior, eating muscle movement, and control of energy balance, depending upon the physiological role of each region.

Brain glucose sensing mechanism and glucose homeostasis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glucose homeostasis must be finely regulated. Changes in glucose levels elicit a complex neuroendocrine response that prevents or rapidly corrects hyper- or hypoglycemia. It is well established that different parts of the brain, particularly the hypothalamus and the brain stem, are important centres involved in the monitoring of glucose status and the regulation of feeding. The pioneering work of Mayer, including his proposal of the glucostatic theory, has recently received experimental support from the molecular, electro-physiological and physiological fields.

RECENT FINDINGS

Making the analogy with the beta cell of the islet of Langerhans, it has been proposed that glucose sensing could be assured in some cells of the brain by proteins such as glucose transporter 2, glucokinase and the ATP-dependent potassium channel. Furthermore, some pathological conditions such as diabetes and obesity have been shown to alter this glucose sensing system.

SUMMARY

These findings could lead to a better understanding of metabolic disorders, with hypoglycemia possibly being the most deleterious.

A general model of intake regulation

Previously proposed models of intake regulation focus on specific variables thought to influence overall intake, and include factors involved in negative feedback loops with intake as well as genetic influences on intake. Recent evidence, however, suggests that these models although informative, are incomplete. They cannot account for the observations of prolonged and increasing deviations from defended levels, weakness and transitoriness of compensatory responses, the presence of powerful factors that are not compensated, and behavioral genetic data suggesting that there are a wide variety of independent genetic influences on numerous factors that influence intake. As a result we propose a new general model of intake regulation in which intake is influenced by both a set of uncompensated factors that are not influenced by intake and by a set of compensated factors that are. The preferred levels of intake and both sets of factors are specified as influenced by heredity. Further, the model includes impact factors, weights, which specify the magnitude of the effect each factor has on intake. The weights are assumed to be different for different individuals and their values are determined by heredity. A computer simulation of the new model demonstrated that it maintains different levels depending upon the external and internal environments, that changes in these environments result in new levels, and that inherited individual differences in responsiveness to these factors can markedly influence the levels obtained. The proposed general model appears to fit existing knowledge and is parsimonious and widely applicable. Future work should be directed to testing the general model and further developing specific models within the conceptual framework employing known physiological systems and uncompensated stimuli.

Integration of the regulation of reproductive function and energy balance: lactation as a model

Lactation is a physiological model for studying how the hypothalamus integrates peripheral signals, such as sensory signals (suckling stimulus) and those denoting energy balance (leptin), to alter hypothalamic function regulating food intake/energy balance and reproduction. The characteristics of food intake/energy balance during lactation are extreme hyperphagia, coupled with negative energy balance. The arcuate nucleus Neuropeptide Y (ARH-NPY) system is activated by: (1) brainstem projections specifically activated by the suckling stimulus, and (2) the decrease in leptin in response to the metabolic drain of milk production. NPY neurons from the ARH make direct contact with GnRH neurons and with CRH neurons in the PVH. NPY neurons also make contact with orexin and MCH neurons in the LHA, which, in turn, make contacts with GnRH neurons. Thus, the ARH-NPY system provides a neuroanatomical framework by which to integrate changes in food intake/energy with the regulation of cyclic reproductive function.

Multiple neural systems controlling food intake and body weight

Discovery of the leptin receptor and its downstream peptidergic pathways has reconfirmed the crucial role of the hypothalamus in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. Strategically located in the midst of the mammalian neuraxis, the hypothalamus receives at least three distinct types of relevant information via direct or indirect neural connections as well as hormone receptors and substrate sensors bestowed on hypothalamic neurons. First, the medial and to a lesser extent the lateral hypothalamus receive a rich mix of information pertaining to the internal state of relative energy repletion/depletion. Second, specific hypothalamic nuclei receive information about the behavioral state, such as diurnal clock, physical activity-level, reproductive cycle, developmental stage, as well as imminent (e.g. fight and flight) and chronic (e.g. infection) stressors, that can potentially impact on short-term availability of fuels and long-term energy balance. Third, the hypothalamus, particularly its lateral aspects, receives information from areas in the forebrain involved in the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of sensory representations of the external food space and internal food experience, as well as from the executive forebrain involved in behavior selection and initiation. In addition, rich intrahypothalamic connections facilitate further distribution of incoming information to various hypothalamic nuclei. On the other hand, the hypothalamus has widespread neural projections to the same cortical areas it receives inputs, and many hypothalamic neurons are one synapse away from most endocrine systems and from both sympathetic and parasympathetic effector organs involved in the flux, storage, mobilization, and utilization of fuels. It is argued that processing within cortico-limbic areas and communication with hypothalamic areas are particularly important in human food intake control that is more and more guided by cognitive rather than metabolic aspects in the obesigenic environment of affluent societies. A distributed neural network for the control of food intake and energy balance consisting of a central processor and several parallel processing loops is hypothesized. Detailed neurochemical, anatomical, and functional analysis of reciprocal connections of the numerous peptidergic neuron populations in the hypothalamus with extrahypothalamic brain areas will be necessary to better understand what hypothalamus, forebrain, and brainstem tell each other and who is in charge under specific conditions of internal and external nutrient availability.