Influence of early undernutrition in rats on their body fat and RNA content in VMH neurons

The lateral hypothalamic area revisited: ingestive behavior

This article discusses the role of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) in feeding and drinking and draws on data obtained from lesion and stimulation studies and neurochemical and electrophysiological manipulations of the area. The LHA is involved in catecholaminergic and serotonergic feeding systems and plays a role in circadian feeding, sex differences in feeding and spontaneous activity. This article discusses the LHA regarding dietary self-selection, responses to high-protein diets, amino acid imbalances, liquid and cafeteria diets, placentophagia, "stress eating," finickiness, diet texture, consistency and taste, aversion learning, olfaction and the effects of post-operative period manipulations by hormonal and other means. Glucose-sensitive neurons have been identified in the LHA and their manipulation by insulin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose is discussed. The effects on feeding of numerous transmitters, hormones and appetite depressants are described, as is the role of the LHA in salivation, lacrimation, gastric motility and secretion, and sensorimotor deficits. The LHA is also illuminated as regards temperature and feeding, circumventricular organs and thirst and electrolyte dynamics. A discussion of its role in the ischymetric hypothesis as an integrative Gestalt concept concludes the review.

Body fat and RNA content of the VMH cells in rats neonatally treated with monosodium glutamate

The RNA content of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), and the cortical neurons of male and female rats, neonatally treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG), were investigated. MSG (2 g/kg b.wt.) was injected subcutaneously to male and female rat pups daily for 5 days after birth. At 12 weeks of age a significant decrease of RNA content in the VMH cells and significantly increased body fat in neonatally MSG-treated animals were found. Correlation of these data showed a significant negative correlation between the body fat content and the RNA content in VMH neurons. The results a) confirm a closed relationship between the body fat content and the functional activity of VMH, b) indicate that obesity of neonatally MSG-treated animals should be due to decreased functional activity of the VMH cells.

Body fat and RNA content of VMH neurons in rats

The epididymal and retroperitoneal fat content of 180-day-old male Wistar rats, coming from litters of eight pups was correlated with their RNA content in ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) neurons. A significant negative correlation was found between the RNA content in VMH neurons and epididymal and retroperitoneal fat content. The results indicate a closed relationship between the body fat content and the functional activity of VMH.