Selective Pharmacogenetic Activation of Catecholamine Subgroups in the Ventrolateral Medulla Elicits Key Glucoregulatory Responses

CCK-sensitive C fibers activate NTS leptin receptor-expressing neurons via NMDA receptors

The hormone leptin reduces food intake through actions in the peripheral and central nervous systems, including in the hindbrain nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). The NTS receives viscerosensory information via vagal afferents, including information from the gastrointestinal tract, which is then relayed to other central nervous system (CNS) sites critical for control of food intake. Leptin receptors (lepRs) are expressed by a subpopulation of NTS neurons, and knockdown of these receptors increases both food intake and body weight. Recently, we demonstrated that leptin increases vagal activation of lepR-expressing neurons via increased NMDA receptor (NMDAR) currents, thereby potentiating vagally evoked firing. Furthermore, chemogenetic activation of these neurons was recently shown to inhibit food intake. However, the vagal inputs these neurons receive had not been characterized. Here we performed whole cell recordings in brain slices taken from lepRCre × floxedTdTomato mice and found that lepR neurons of the NTS are directly activated by monosynaptic inputs from C-type afferents sensitive to the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) agonist capsaicin. CCK administered onto NTS slices stimulated spontaneous glutamate release onto lepR neurons and induced action potential firing, an effect mediated by CCKR1. Interestingly, NMDAR activation contributed to the current carried by spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and enhanced CCK-induced firing. Peripheral CCK also increased c-fos expression in these neurons, suggesting they are activated by CCK-sensitive vagal afferents in vivo. Our results indicate that the majority of NTS lepR neurons receive direct inputs from CCK-sensitive C vagal-type afferents, with both peripheral and central CCK capable of activating these neurons and NMDARs able to potentiate these effects.

Fasting-activated ventrolateral medulla neurons regulate T cell homing and suppress autoimmune disease in mice

Dietary fasting markedly influences the distribution and function of immune cells and exerts potent immunosuppressive effects. However, the mechanisms through which fasting regulates immunity remain obscure. Here we report that catecholaminergic (CA) neurons in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) are activated during fasting in mice, and we demonstrate that the activity of these CA neurons impacts the distribution of T cells and the development of autoimmune disease in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Ablation of VLM CA neurons largely reversed fasting-mediated T cell redistribution. Activation of these neurons drove T cell homing to bone marrow in a CXCR4/CXCL12 axis-dependent manner, which may be mediated by a neural circuit that stimulates corticosterone secretion. Similar to fasting, the continuous activation of VLM CA neurons suppressed T cell activation, proliferation, differentiation and cytokine production in autoimmune mouse models and substantially alleviated disease symptoms. Collectively, our study demonstrates neuronal control of inflammation and T cell distribution, suggesting a neural mechanism underlying fasting-mediated immune regulation.

Cortical-brainstem circuitry attenuates physiological stress reactivity

Exposure to stressful stimuli promotes multi-system biological responses to restore homeostasis. Catecholaminergic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) facilitate sympathetic activity and promote physiological adaptations, including glycaemic mobilization and corticosterone release. While it is unclear how brain regions involved in the cognitive appraisal of stress regulate RVLM neural activity, recent studies found that the rodent ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) mediates stress appraisal and physiological stress responses. Thus, a vmPFC-RVLM connection could represent a circuit mechanism linking stress appraisal and physiological reactivity. The current study investigated a direct vmPFC-RVLM circuit utilizing genetically encoded anterograde and retrograde tract tracers. Together, these studies found that stress-activated vmPFC neurons project to catecholaminergic neurons throughout the ventrolateral medulla in male and female rats. Next, we utilized optogenetic terminal stimulation to evoke vmPFC synaptic glutamate release in the RVLM. Photostimulating the vmPFC-RVLM circuit during restraint stress suppressed glycaemic stress responses in males, without altering the female response. However, circuit stimulation decreased corticosterone responses to stress in both sexes. Circuit stimulation did not modulate affective behaviour in either sex. Further analysis indicated that circuit stimulation preferentially activated non-catecholaminergic medullary neurons in both sexes. Additionally, vmPFC terminals targeted medullary inhibitory neurons. Thus, both male and female rats have a direct vmPFC projection to the RVLM that reduces endocrine stress responses, likely by recruiting local RVLM inhibitory neurons. Ultimately, the excitatory/inhibitory balance of vmPFC synapses in the RVLM may regulate stress reactivity and stress-related health outcomes. KEY POINTS: Glutamatergic efferents from the ventromedial prefrontal cortex target catecholaminergic neurons throughout the ventrolateral medulla. Partially segregated, stress-activated ventromedial prefrontal cortex populations innervate the rostral and caudal ventrolateral medulla. Stimulating ventromedial prefrontal cortex synapses in the rostral ventrolateral medulla decreases stress-induced glucocorticoid release in males and females. Stimulating ventromedial prefrontal cortex terminals in the rostral ventrolateral medulla preferentially activates non-catecholaminergic neurons. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex terminals target medullary inhibitory neurons.

Linking the Extended Autonomic System with the Homeostat Theory: New Perspectives about Dysautonomias

Dysautonomias are conditions in which altered functions of one or more components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) adversely affect health. This essay is about how elucidating mechanisms of dysautonomias may rationalize personalized treatments. Emphasized here are two relatively new ideas-the "extended" autonomic system (EAS) and the "homeostat" theory as applied to the pathophysiology and potential treatments of dysautonomias. The recently promulgated concept of the EAS updates Langley's ANS to include neuroendocrine, immune/inflammatory, and central components. The homeostat theory builds on Cannon's theory of homeostasis by proposing the existence of comparators (e.g., a thermostat, glucostat, carbistat, barostat) that receive information about regulated variables (e.g., core temperature, blood glucose, blood gases, delivery of blood to the brain). Homeostats sense discrepancies between the information and response algorithms. The presentation links the EAS with the homeostat theory to understand pathophysiological mechanisms of dysautonomias. Feed-forward anticipatory processes shift input-output curves and maintain plateau levels of regulated variables within different bounds of values-"allostasis". Sustained allostatic processes increase long-term wear-and-tear on effectors and organs-allostatic load. They decreaseing thresholds for destabilizing and potentially fatal positive feedback loops. The homeostat theory enables mathematical models that define stress, allostasis, and allostatic load. The present discussion applies the EAS and homeostat concepts to specific examples of pediatric, adolescent/adult, and geriatric dysautonomias-familial dysautonomia, chronic orthostatic intolerance, and Lewy body diseases. Computer modeling has the potential to take into account the complexity and dynamics of allostatic processes and may yield testable predictions about individualized treatments and outcomes.

Sympathetic circuits regulating hepatic glucose metabolism: where we stand

The prevalence of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, continues to increase worldwide. Although newer and more advanced therapies are available, current treatments are still inadequate and the search for solutions remains. The regulation of energy homeostasis, including glucose metabolism, involves an exchange of information between the nervous systems and peripheral organs and tissues; therefore, developing treatments to alter central and/or peripheral neural pathways could be an alternative solution to modulate whole body metabolism. Liver glucose production and storage are major mechanisms controlling glycemia, and the autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of hepatic functions. Autonomic nervous system imbalance contributes to excessive hepatic glucose production and thus to the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus. At cellular levels, change in neuronal activity is one of the underlying mechanisms of autonomic imbalance; therefore, modulation of the excitability of neurons involved in autonomic outflow governance has the potential to improve glycemic status. Tissue-specific subsets of preautonomic neurons differentially control autonomic outflow; therefore, detailed information about neural circuits and properties of liver-related neurons is necessary for the development of strategies to regulate liver functions via the autonomic nerves. This review provides an overview of our current understanding of the hypothalamus-ventral brainstem-liver pathway involved in the sympathetic regulation of the liver, outlines strategies to identify organ-related neurons, and summarizes neuronal plasticity during diabetic conditions with a particular focus on liver-related neurons in the paraventricular nucleus.

Hindbrain Adrenergic/Noradrenergic Control of Integrated Endocrine and Autonomic Stress Responses

Hindbrain adrenergic/noradrenergic nuclei facilitate endocrine and autonomic responses to physical and psychological challenges. Neurons that synthesize adrenaline and noradrenaline target hypothalamic structures to modulate endocrine responses while descending spinal projections regulate sympathetic function. Furthermore, these neurons respond to diverse stress-related metabolic, autonomic, and psychosocial challenges. Accordingly, adrenergic and noradrenergic nuclei are integrative hubs that promote physiological adaptation to maintain homeostasis. However, the precise mechanisms through which adrenaline- and noradrenaline-synthesizing neurons sense interoceptive and exteroceptive cues to coordinate physiological responses have yet to be fully elucidated. Additionally, the regulatory role of these cells in the context of chronic stress has received limited attention. This mini-review consolidates reports from preclinical rodent studies on the organization and function of brainstem adrenaline and noradrenaline cells to provide a framework for how these nuclei coordinate endocrine and autonomic physiology. This includes identification of hindbrain adrenaline- and noradrenaline-producing cell groups and their role in stress responding through neurosecretory and autonomic engagement. Although temporally and mechanistically distinct, the endocrine and autonomic stress axes are complementary and interconnected. Therefore, the interplay between brainstem adrenergic/noradrenergic nuclei and peripheral physiological systems is necessary for integrated stress responses and organismal survival.

Adrenergic modulation of melanocortin pathway by hunger signals

Norepinephrine (NE) is a well-known appetite regulator, and the nor/adrenergic system is targeted by several anti-obesity drugs. To better understand the circuitry underlying adrenergic appetite control, here we investigated the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), a key brain region that integrates energy signals and receives dense nor/adrenergic input, using a mouse model. We found that PVN NE level increases with signals of energy deficit and decreases with food access. This pattern is recapitulated by the innervating catecholaminergic axon terminals originating from NTSTH-neurons. Optogenetic activation of rostral-NTSTH → PVN projection elicited strong motivation to eat comparable to overnight fasting whereas its inhibition attenuated both fasting-induced & hypoglycemic feeding. We found that NTSTH-axons functionally targeted PVNMC4R-neurons by predominantly inhibiting them, in part, through α1-AR mediated potentiation of GABA release from ARCAgRP presynaptic terminals. Furthermore, glucoprivation suppressed PVNMC4R activity, which was required for hypoglycemic feeding response. These results define an ascending nor/adrenergic circuit, NTSTH → PVNMC4R, that conveys peripheral hunger signals to melanocortin pathway.

Chemogenetic activation of ventral medullary astrocytes enhances feeding and corticosterone release in response to mild glucoprivation

To investigate the role of glial cells in the regulation of glucoprivic responses in rats, a chemogenetic approach was used to activate astrocytes neighboring catecholamine (CA) neurons in the ventromedial medulla (VLM) where A1 and C1 CA cell groups overlap (A1/C1). Previous results indicate that activation of CA neurons in this region is necessary and sufficient for feeding and corticosterone release in response to glucoprivation. However, it is not known whether astrocyte neighbors of CA neurons contribute to glucoregulatory responses. Hence, we made nanoinjections of AAV5-GFAP-hM3D(Gq)-mCherry to selectively transfect astrocytes in the A1/C1 region with the excitatory designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), hM3D(Gq). After allowing time for DREADD expression, we evaluated the rats for increased food intake and corticosterone release in response to low systemic doses of the antiglycolytic agent, 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG), alone and in combination with the hM3D(Gq) activator clozapine-n-oxide (CNO). We found that DREADD-transfected rats ate significantly more food when 2DG and CNO were coadministered than when either 2DG or CNO was injected alone. We also found that CNO significantly enhanced 2DG-induced FOS expression in the A1/C1 CA neurons, and that corticosterone release also was enhanced when CNO and 2DG were administered together. Importantly, CNO-induced activation of astrocytes in the absence of 2DG did not trigger food intake or corticosterone release. Our results indicate that during glucoprivation, activation of VLM astrocytes cells markedly increases the sensitivity or responsiveness of neighboring A1/C1 CA neurons to glucose deficit, suggesting a potentially important role for VLM astrocytes in glucoregulation.

Cortical-brainstem circuitry attenuates physiological stress reactivity

Exposure to stressful stimuli promotes multi-system biological responses to restore homeostasis. Catecholaminergic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) facilitate sympathetic activity and promote physiological adaptations, including glycemic mobilization and corticosterone release. While it is unclear how brain regions involved in the cognitive appraisal of stress regulate RVLM neural activity, recent studies found that the rodent ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) mediates stress appraisal and physiological stress responses. Thus, a vmPFC-RVLM connection could represent a circuit mechanism linking stress appraisal and physiological reactivity. The current study investigated a direct vmPFC-RVLM circuit utilizing genetically-encoded anterograde and retrograde tract tracers. Together, these studies found that stress-reactive vmPFC neurons project to catecholaminergic neurons throughout the ventrolateral medulla in male and female rats. Next, we utilized optogenetic terminal stimulation to evoke vmPFC synaptic glutamate release in the RVLM. Photostimulating the vmPFC-RVLM circuit during restraint stress suppressed glycemic stress responses in males, without altering the female response. However, circuit stimulation decreased corticosterone responses to stress in both sexes. Circuit stimulation did not modulate affective behavior in either sex. Further analysis indicated that circuit stimulation preferentially activated non-catecholaminergic medullary neurons in both sexes. Additionally, vmPFC terminals targeted medullary inhibitory neurons. Thus, both male and female rats have a direct vmPFC projection to the RVLM that reduces endocrine stress responses, likely through the recruitment of local RVLM inhibitory neurons. Ultimately, the excitatory/inhibitory balance of vmPFC synapses in the RVLM may regulate stress reactivity as well as stress-related health outcomes.

High-Fat Diet Modulates the Excitability of Neurons within the Brain-Liver Pathway

Stimulation of hepatic sympathetic nerves increases glucose production and glycogenolysis. Activity of pre-sympathetic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and in the ventrolateral and ventromedial medulla (VLM/VMM) largely influence the sympathetic output. Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays a role in the development and progression of metabolic diseases; however, despite the importance of the central circuits, the excitability of pre-sympathetic liver-related neurons remains to be determined. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the activity of liver-related neurons in the PVN and VLM/VMM is altered in diet-induced obese mice, as well as their response to insulin. Patch-clamp recordings were conducted from liver-related PVN neurons, VLM-projecting PVN neurons, and pre-sympathetic liver-related neurons in the ventral brainstem. Our data demonstrate that the excitability of liver-related PVN neurons increased in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice compared to mice fed with control diet. Insulin receptor expression was detected in a population of liver-related neurons, and insulin suppressed the firing activity of liver-related PVN and pre-sympathetic VLM/VMM neurons in HFD mice; however, it did not affect VLM-projecting liver-related PVN neurons. These findings further suggest that HFD alters the excitability of pre-autonomic neurons as well as their response to insulin.

Galvanic vestibular stimulation-induced activation of C1 neurons in medulla oblongata protects against acute lung injury

Autonomic nerves, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, control the immune system along with their physiological functions. On the peripheral side, the interaction between the splenic sympathetic nerves and immune cells is important for the anti-inflammatory effects. However, the central mechanism underlying these anti-inflammatory effects remains unclear. C1 neurons respond to stressors and subsequently determine the outflow of the autonomic nervous system. We have previously shown that C1 neurons protect against acute kidney injury and found a signaling connection between peripheral vestibular organs and C1 neurons. Thus, we hypothesized that hypergravity load or galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) might protect against acute lung injury. We showed that C1 neurons are histologically and functionally activated by stimulating the peripheral vestibular organs. Protection against acute lung injury that was induced by a 2 G load disappeared due to vestibular lesions or the deletion of C1 neurons. This GVS-induced protective effect was also eliminated by the deletion of the C1 neurons. Furthermore, GVS increased splenic sympathetic nerve activity in conscious mice, and splenic sympathetic denervation abolished the GVS-induced protection against acute lung injury. Therefore, the activated pathway between C1 neurons and splenic sympathetic nerves is indispensable for GVS-induced protection against acute lung injury.

Hypergravity load-induced hyperglycemia occurs due to hypothermia and increased plasma corticosterone level in mice

Hypothermia has been observed during hypergravity load in mice and rats. This response is beneficial for maintaining blood glucose level, although food intake decreases. However, saving glucose is not enough to maintain blood glucose level during hypergravity load. In this study, we examined the contribution of humoral factors related to glycolysis in maintaining blood glucose level in a 2 G environment. Increased plasma corticosterone levels were observed in mice with intact peripheral vestibular organs, but not in mice with vestibular lesions. Plasma glucagon levels did not change, and decrease in plasma adrenaline levels was observed in mice with intact peripheral vestibular organs. Accordingly, it is possible that increase in plasma corticosterone level and hypothermia contribute to prevent hypoglycemia in a 2 G environment.

Recent advances in understanding hypothalamic control of defensive responses to hypoglycaemia

Maintenance of normal blood glucose is important for survival. In particular, brain function is dependent on circulating glucose. In health, a series of powerful counterregulatory defences operate to prevent/limit hypoglycaemia. These defences are altered to varying degrees in diabetes and in particular, a subset of people with diabetes can develop profound deficits in these defences placing them at increased risk of suffering episodes of severe hypoglycaemia. Brain is an important controller of glucose homeostasis and developments in molecular techniques have allowed the neurocircuitry of a number of important centrally-controlled homeostatic processes such as energy balance, thirst and thermoregulation to be defined. This review describes how some of these advances have allowed a better understanding of the neuronal/brain ensembles which help protect against hypoglycaemia.

Attenuation of the Counter-Regulatory Glucose Response in CVLM C1 Neurons: A Possible Explanation for Anorexia of Aging

This study aimed to determine the effect of age on CVLM C1 neuron glucoregulatory proteins in the feeding pathway. Male Sprague Dawley rats aged 3 months and 24 months old were divided into two subgroups: the treatment group with 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) and the control group. Rat brains were dissected to obtain the CVLM region of the brainstem. Western blot was used to determine protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), phosphorylated TH at Serine40 (pSer40TH), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK (phospho AMPK), and neuropeptide Y Y5 receptors (NPY5R) in CVLM samples. Immunofluorescence was used to determine TH-, AMPK-, and NPY5R-like immunoreactivities among other brain coronal sections. Results obtained denote a decrease in basal TH phosphorylation levels and AMPK proteins and an increase in TH proteins among aged CVLM neurons. Increases in the basal immunoreactivity of TH+, AMPK+, NPY5R+, TH+/AMPK+, and TH+/NPY5R+ were also observed among old rats. Young treatment-group rats saw a decrease in TH phosphorylation and AMPK proteins following 2DG administration, while an increase in AMPK phosphorylation and a decrease in TH proteins were found among the old-treatment-group rats. These findings suggest the participation of CVLM C1 neurons in counter-regulatory responses among young and old rats. Altering protein changes in aged CVLM C1 neurons may attenuate responses to glucoprivation, thus explaining the decline in food intake among the elderly.

Rostral ventrolateral medulla, retropontine region and autonomic regulations

The rostral half of the ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and adjacent ventrolateral retropontine region (henceforth RVLMRP) have been divided into various sectors by neuroscientists interested in breathing or autonomic regulations. The RVLMRP regulates respiration, glycemia, vigilance and inflammation, in addition to blood pressure. It contains interoceptors that respond to acidification, hypoxia and intracranial pressure and its rostral end contains the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) which is the main central respiratory chemoreceptor. Acid detection by the RTN is an intrinsic property of the principal neurons that is enhanced by paracrine influences from surrounding astrocytes and CO₂-dependent vascular constriction. RTN mediates the hypercapnic ventilatory response via complex projections to the respiratory pattern generator (CPG). The RVLM contributes to autonomic response patterns via differential recruitment of several subtypes of adrenergic (C1) and non-adrenergic neurons that directly innervate sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. The RVLM also innervates many brainstem and hypothalamic nuclei that contribute, albeit less directly, to autonomic responses. All lower brainstem noradrenergic clusters including the locus coeruleus are among these targets. Sympathetic tone to the circulatory system is regulated by subsets of presympathetic RVLM neurons whose activity is continuously restrained by the baroreceptors and modulated by the respiratory CPG. The inhibitory input from baroreceptors and the excitatory input from the respiratory CPG originate from neurons located in or close to the rhythm generating region of the respiratory CPG (preBötzinger complex).

Arginine-vasopressin mediates counter-regulatory glucagon release and is diminished in type 1 diabetes

Insulin-induced hypoglycemia is a major treatment barrier in type-1 diabetes (T1D). Accordingly, it is important that we understand the mechanisms regulating the circulating levels of glucagon. Varying glucose over the range of concentrations that occur physiologically between the fed and fuel-deprived states (8 to 4 mM) has no significant effect on glucagon secretion in the perfused mouse pancreas or in isolated mouse islets (in vitro), and yet associates with dramatic increases in plasma glucagon. The identity of the systemic factor(s) that elevates circulating glucagon remains unknown. Here, we show that arginine-vasopressin (AVP), secreted from the posterior pituitary, stimulates glucagon secretion. Alpha-cells express high levels of the vasopressin 1b receptor (V1bR) gene (Avpr1b). Activation of AVP neurons in vivo increased circulating copeptin (the C-terminal segment of the AVP precursor peptide) and increased blood glucose; effects blocked by pharmacological antagonism of either the glucagon receptor or V1bR. AVP also mediates the stimulatory effects of hypoglycemia produced by exogenous insulin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose on glucagon secretion. We show that the A1/C1 neurons of the medulla oblongata drive AVP neuron activation in response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. AVP injection increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ in alpha-cells (implanted into the anterior chamber of the eye) and glucagon release. Hypoglycemia also increases circulating levels of AVP/copeptin in humans and this hormone stimulates glucagon secretion from human islets. In patients with T1D, hypoglycemia failed to increase both copeptin and glucagon. These findings suggest that AVP is a physiological systemic regulator of glucagon secretion and that this mechanism becomes impaired in T1D.

Morphological Analysis of the Hindbrain Glucose Sensor-Hypothalamic Neural Pathway Activated by Hindbrain Glucoprivation

Lowered glucose availability, sensed by the hindbrain, has been suggested to enhance gluconeogenesis and food intake as well as suppress reproductive function. In fact, our previous histological and in vitro studies suggest that hindbrain ependymal cells function as a glucose sensor. The present study aimed to clarify the hindbrain glucose sensor-hypothalamic neural pathway activated in response to hindbrain glucoprivation to mediate counterregulatory physiological responses. Administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), an inhibitor of glucose utilization, into the fourth ventricle (4V) of male rats for 0.5 hour induced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of c-fos, a marker for cellular activation, in ependymal cells in the 4V, but not in the lateral ventricle, the third ventricle or the central canal without a significant change in blood glucose and testosterone levels. Administration of 2DG into the 4V for 1 hour significantly increased blood glucose levels, food intake, and decreased blood testosterone levels. Simultaneously, the expression of c-Fos protein was detected in the 4V ependymal cells; dopamine β-hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells in the C1, C2, and A6 regions; neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA-positive cells in the C2; corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA-positive cells in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN); and NPY mRNA-positive cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Taken together, these results suggest that lowered glucose availability, sensed by 4V ependymal cells, activates hindbrain catecholaminergic and/or NPY neurons followed by CRH neurons in the PVN and NPY neurons in the ARC, thereby leading to counterregulatory responses, such as an enhancement of gluconeogenesis, increased food intake, and suppression of sex steroid secretion.

Slow but Steady-The Responsiveness of Sympathoadrenal System to a Hypoglycemic Challenge in Ketogenic Diet-Fed Rats

The sympathoadrenal counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia is critical for individuals with type 1 diabetes due to impaired ability to produce glucagon. Ketogenic diets (KD) are an increasingly popular diabetes management tool; however, the effects of KD on the sympathoadrenal response are largely unknown. Here, we determined the effects of KD-induced ketosis on the sympathoadrenal response to a single insulin-induced hypoglycemic challenge. We investigated how a 3 week KD feeding regimen affected the main components of the sympathoadrenal counterregulatory response: adrenal sympathetic nerve activity (ASNA), adrenal gland activity, plasma epinephrine, and brainstem glucose-responsive C1 neuronal activation in anesthetized, nondiabetic male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats on KD had similar blood glucose (BG) levels and elevated ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels compared to the control Chow diet group. All KD rats responded to hypoglycemia with a robust increase in ASNA, which was initiated at significantly lower BG levels compared to Chow-fed rats. The delay in hypoglycemia-induced ASNA increase was concurrent with rapid disappearance of BHB from cerebral and peripheral circulation. Adrenal gland activity paralleled epinephrine and ASNA response. Overall, KD-induced ketosis was associated with initiation of the sympathoadrenal response at lower blood glucose levels; however, the magnitude of the response was not diminished.

Central nervous system regulation of organismal energy and glucose homeostasis

Growing evidence implicates the brain in the regulation of both immediate fuel availability (for example, circulating glucose) and long-term energy stores (that is, adipose tissue mass). Rather than viewing the adipose tissue and glucose control systems separately, we suggest that the brain systems that control them are components of a larger, highly integrated, 'fuel homeostasis' control system. This conceptual framework, along with new insights into the organization and function of distinct neuronal systems, provides a context within which to understand how metabolic homeostasis is achieved in both basal and postprandial states. We also review evidence that dysfunction of the central fuel homeostasis system contributes to the close association between obesity and type 2 diabetes, with the goal of identifying more effective treatment options for these common metabolic disorders.

Insulin actions on hypothalamic glucose-sensing neurones

Subsequent to the discovery of insulin 100 years ago, great strides have been made in understanding its function, especially in the brain. It is now clear that insulin is a critical regulator of the neuronal circuitry controlling energy balance and glucose homeostasis. This review focuses on the effects of insulin and diabetes on the activity and glucose sensitivity of hypothalamic glucose-sensing neurones. We highlight the role of electrophysiological data in understanding how insulin regulates glucose-sensing neurones. A brief introduction describing the benefits and limitations of the major electrophysiological techniques used to investigate glucose-sensing neurones is provided. The mechanisms by which hypothalamic neurones sense glucose are discussed with an emphasis on those glucose-sensing neurones already shown to be modulated by insulin. Next, the literature pertaining to how insulin alters the activity and glucose sensitivity of these hypothalamic glucose-sensing neurones is described. In addition, the effects of impaired insulin signalling during diabetes and the ramifications of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia on hypothalamic glucose-sensing neurones are covered. To the extent that it is known, we present hypotheses concerning the mechanisms underlying the effects of these insulin-related pathologies. To conclude, electrophysiological data from the hippocampus are evaluated aiming to provide clues regarding how insulin might influence neuronal plasticity in glucose-sensing neurones. Although much has been accomplished subsequent to the discovery of insulin, the work described in our review suggests that the regulation of central glucose sensing by this hormone is both important and understudied.

Brain-Body Control of Glucose Homeostasis-Insights From Model Organisms

Tight regulation of blood glucose is essential for long term health. Blood glucose levels are defended by the correct function of, and communication between, internal organs including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and brain. Critically, the brain is sensitive to acute changes in blood glucose level and can modulate peripheral processes to defend against these deviations. In this mini-review we highlight select key findings showcasing the utility, strengths, and limitations of model organisms to study brain-body interactions that sense and control blood glucose levels. First, we discuss the large platform of genetic tools available to investigators studying mice and how this field may yet reveal new modes of communication between peripheral organs and the brain. Second, we discuss how rats, by virtue of their size, have unique advantages for the study of CNS control of glucose homeostasis and note that they may more closely model some aspects of human (patho)physiology. Third, we discuss the nascent field of studying the CNS control of blood glucose in the zebrafish which permits ease of genetic modification, large-scale measurements of neural activity and live imaging in addition to high-throughput screening. Finally, we briefly discuss glucose homeostasis in drosophila, which have a distinct physiology and glucoregulatory systems to vertebrates.

A ventrolateral medulla-midline thalamic circuit for hypoglycemic feeding

Marked deficits in glucose availability, or glucoprivation, elicit organism-wide counter-regulatory responses whose purpose is to restore glucose homeostasis. However, while catecholamine neurons of the ventrolateral medulla (VLMCA) are thought to orchestrate these responses, the circuit and cellular mechanisms underlying specific counter-regulatory responses are largely unknown. Here, we combined anatomical, imaging, optogenetic and behavioral approaches to interrogate the circuit mechanisms by which VLMCA neurons orchestrate glucoprivation-induced food seeking behavior. Using these approaches, we found that VLMCA neurons form functional connections with nucleus accumbens (NAc)-projecting neurons of the posterior portion of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (pPVT). Importantly, optogenetic manipulations revealed that while activation of VLMCA projections to the pPVT was sufficient to elicit robust feeding behavior in well fed mice, inhibition of VLMCA-pPVT communication significantly impaired glucoprivation-induced feeding while leaving other major counterregulatory responses intact. Collectively our findings identify the VLMCA-pPVT-NAc pathway as a previously-neglected node selectively controlling glucoprivation-induced food seeking. Moreover, by identifying the ventrolateral medulla as a direct source of metabolic information to the midline thalamus, our results support a growing body of literature on the role of the PVT in homeostatic regulation.

Repeated Pharmacogenetic Catecholamine Neuron Activation in the Ventrolateral Medulla Attenuates Subsequent Glucoregulatory Responses

Hindbrain catecholamine (CA) neurons are essential for elicitation of protective counterregulatory responses (CRRs) to glucose deficit, including increased feeding and elevation of circulating corticosterone, epinephrine, and glucose. Severe or repeated antecedent glucoprivation results in attenuation of these CRRs and failure to correct glucose deficit, constituting a potentially lethal condition known as hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF) that may occur in patients with diabetes on insulin therapy. Recently, we demonstrated that selective pharmacogenetic activation of CA neuron subpopulations in the ventrolateral medulla during normoglycemia elicits these CRRs in a site-specific manner. In the present experiment, we examined the effect of repeated pharmacogenetic activation of CA neurons in the A1/C1 cell group on subsequent elicitation of feeding, corticosterone secretion, and respiratory quotient. We found that this prior treatment attenuated these responses to subsequent pharmacogenetic stimulation, similar to attenuation of these CRRs following repeated antecedent glucoprivation. This suggests that functional impairment of A1/C1 CA neurons resulting from antecedent glucoprivation may account, at least in part, for impairment of specific CRRs critical for restoration of normoglycemia in response to glucose deficit. Thus, a pharmacogenetic approach to selective activation of key neural circuits could provide a means of identifying neuropathogenic mechanisms contributing to HAAF.

Astrocytes in the nucleus of the solitary tract: Contributions to neural circuits controlling physiology

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the primary brainstem centre for the integration of physiological information from the periphery transmitted via the vagus nerve. In turn, the NTS feeds into downstream circuits regulating physiological parameters. Astrocytes are glial cells which have key roles in maintaining CNS tissue homeostasis and regulating neuronal communication. Recently an increasing number of studies have implicated astrocytes in the regulation of synaptic transmission and physiology. This review aims to highlight evidence for a role for astrocytes in the functions of the NTS. Astrocytes maintain and modulate NTS synaptic transmission contributing to the control of diverse physiological systems namely cardiovascular, respiratory, glucoregulatory, and gastrointestinal. In addition, it appears these cells may have a role in central control of feeding behaviour. As such these cells are a key component of signal processing and physiological control by the NTS.

Ventromedial hypothalamus glucose-inhibited neurones: A role in glucose and energy homeostasis?

The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) plays a complex role in glucose and energy homeostasis. The VMH is necessary for the counter-regulatory response to hypoglycaemia (CRR) that increases hepatic gluconeogenesis to restore euglycaemia. On the other hand, the VMH also restrains hepatic glucose production during euglycaemia and stimulates peripheral glucose uptake. The VMH is also important for the ability of oestrogen to increase energy expenditure. This latter function is mediated by VMH modulation of the lateral/perifornical hypothalamic area (lateral/perifornical hypothalamus) orexin neurones. Activation of VMH AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is necessary for the CRR. By contrast, VMH AMPK inhibition favours decreased basal glucose levels and is required for oestrogen to increase energy expenditure. Specialised VMH glucose-sensing neurones confer the ability to sense and respond to changes in blood glucose levels. Glucose-excited (GE) neurones increase and glucose-inhibited (GI) neurones decrease their activity as glucose levels rise. VMH GI neurones, in particular, appear to be important in the CRR, although a role for GE neurones cannot be discounted. AMPK mediates glucose sensing in VMH GI neurones suggesting that, although activation of these neurones is important for the CRR, it is necessary to silence them to lower basal glucose levels and enable oestrogen to increase energy expenditure. In support of this, we found that oestrogen reduces activation of VMH GI neurones in low glucose by inhibiting AMPK. In this review, we present the evidence underlying the role of the VMH in glucose and energy homeostasis. We then discuss the role of VMH glucose-sensing neurones in mediating these effects, with a strong emphasis on oestrogenic regulation of glucose sensing and how this may affect glucose and energy homeostasis.

Hindbrain glucoregulatory mechanisms: Critical role of catecholamine neurons in the ventrolateral medulla

Glucose is the required metabolic substrate for the brain. Yet the brain stores very little glucose. Therefore, the brain continuously monitors glucose availability to detect hypoglycemia and to mobilize system-wide responses to protect and restore euglycemia. Catecholamine (CA) neurons in the hindbrain are critical elements of the brain's glucoregulatory mechanisms. They project widely throughout the brain and spinal cord, innervating sites controlling behavioral, endocrine and visceral responses. Hence, CA neurons are capable of triggering a rapid, coordinated and multifaceted response to glucose challenge. This article reviews experimental data that has begun to elucidate the importance of CA neurons for glucoregulation, the functions of specific CA subpopulations in the ventrolateral medulla, and the extended circuitry through which they engage other levels of the nervous system to accomplish their essential glucoregulatory task. Hopefully, this review also suggests the vast amount of work yet to be done in this area and the justification for engaging in that effort.

Leptin's hunger-suppressing effects are mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis in rodents

Leptin informs the brain about sufficiency of fuel stores. When insufficient, leptin levels fall, triggering compensatory increases in appetite. Falling leptin is first sensed by hypothalamic neurons, which then initiate adaptive responses. With regard to hunger, it is thought that leptin-sensing neurons work entirely via circuits within the central nervous system (CNS). Very unexpectedly, however, we now show this is not the case. Instead, stimulation of hunger requires an intervening endocrine step, namely activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Increased corticosterone then activates AgRP neurons to fully increase hunger. Importantly, this is true for 2 forms of low leptin-induced hunger, fasting and poorly controlled type 1 diabetes. Hypoglycemia, which also stimulates hunger by activating CNS neurons, albeit independently of leptin, similarly recruits and requires this pathway by which HPA axis activity stimulates AgRP neurons. Thus, HPA axis regulation of AgRP neurons is a previously underappreciated step in homeostatic regulation of hunger.

NPY2 receptor activation in the dorsal vagal complex increases food intake and attenuates CCK-induced satiation in male rats

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptide YY (PYY), and their cognate receptors (YR) are expressed by subpopulations of central and peripheral nervous system neurons. Intracerebroventricular injections of NPY or PYY increase food intake, and intrahypothalamic NPY1 or NPY5 receptor agonist injections also increase food intake. In contrast, injection of PYY in the periphery reduces food intake, apparently by activating peripheral Y2R. The dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the hindbrain is the site where vagal afferents relay gut satiation signals to the brain. While contributions of the DVC are increasingly investigated, a role for DVC YR in control of food intake has not been examined systematically. We used in situ hybridization to confirm expression of Y1R and Y2R, but not Y5R, in the DVC and vagal afferent neurons. We found that nanoinjections of a Y2R agonist, PYY-(3-36), into the DVC significantly increased food intake over a 4-h period in satiated male rats. PYY-(3-36)-evoked food intake was prevented by injection of a selective Y2R antagonist. Injection of a Y1R/Y5R-preferring agonist into the DVC failed to increase food intake at doses reported to increase food intake following hypothalamic injection. Finally, injection of PYY-(3-36) into the DVC prevented reduction of 30-min food intake following intraperitoneal injection of cholecystokinin (CCK). Our results indicate that activation of DVC Y2R, unlike hypothalamic or peripheral Y2R, increases food intake. Furthermore, in the context of available electrophysiological observations, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that DVC Y2R control food intake by dampening vagally mediated satiation signals in the DVC.

Activation of catecholamine neurons in the ventral medulla reduces CCK-induced hypophagia and c-Fos activation in dorsal medullary catecholamine neurons

Catecholamine (CA) neurons within the A1 and C1 cell groups in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) potently increase food intake when activated by glucose deficit. In contrast, CA neurons in the A2 cell group of the dorsomedial medulla are required for reduction of food intake by cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide that promotes satiation. Thus dorsal and ventral medullary CA neurons are activated by divergent metabolic conditions and mediate opposing behavioral responses. Acute glucose deficit is a life-threatening condition, and increased feeding is a key response that facilitates survival of this emergency. Thus, during glucose deficit, responses to satiation signals, like CCK, must be suppressed to ensure glucorestoration. Here we test the hypothesis that activation of VLM CA neurons inhibits dorsomedial CA neurons that participate in satiation. We found that glucose deficit produced by the antiglycolytic glucose analog, 2-deoxy-d-glucose, attenuated reduction of food intake by CCK. Moreover, glucose deficit increased c-Fos expression by A1 and C1 neurons while reducing CCK-induced c-Fos expression in A2 neurons. We also selectively activated A1/C1 neurons in TH-Cre⁺ transgenic rats in which A1/C1 neurons were transfected with a Cre-dependent designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug (DREADD). Selective activation of A1/C1 neurons using the DREADD agonist, clozapine- N-oxide, attenuated reduction of food intake by CCK and prevented CCK-induced c-Fos expression in A2 CA neurons, even under normoglycemic conditions. Results support the hypothesis that activation of ventral CA neurons attenuates satiety by inhibiting dorsal medullary A2 CA neurons. This mechanism may ensure that satiation does not terminate feeding before restoration of normoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia: Role of Hypothalamic Glucose-Inhibited (GI) Neurons in Detection and Correction

Hypoglycemia is a profound threat to the brain since glucose is its primary fuel. As a result, glucose sensors are widely located in the central nervous system and periphery. In this perspective we will focus on the role of hypothalamic glucose-inhibited (GI) neurons in sensing and correcting hypoglycemia. In particular, we will discuss GI neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) which express neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and in the perifornical hypothalamus (PFH) which express orexin. The ability of VMH nNOS-GI neurons to depolarize in low glucose closely parallels the hormonal response to hypoglycemia which stimulates gluconeogenesis. We have found that nitric oxide (NO) production in low glucose is dependent on oxidative status. In this perspective we will discuss the potential relevance of our work showing that enhancing the glutathione antioxidant system prevents hypoglycemia associated autonomic failure (HAAF) in non-diabetic rats whereas VMH overexpression of the thioredoxin antioxidant system restores hypoglycemia counterregulation in rats with type 1 diabetes.We will also address the potential role of the orexin-GI neurons in the arousal response needed for hypoglycemia awareness which leads to behavioral correction (e.g., food intake, glucose administration). The potential relationship between the hypothalamic sensors and the neurocircuitry in the hindbrain and portal mesenteric vein which is critical for hypoglycemia correction will then be discussed.

Nesfatin-1 Regulates Feeding, Glucosensing and Lipid Metabolism in Rainbow Trout

Nesfatin-1 is an 82 amino acid peptide that has been involved in a wide variety of physiological functions in both mammals and fish. This study aimed to elucidate the role of nesfatin-1 on rainbow trout food intake, and its putative effects on glucose and fatty acid sensing systems. Intracerebroventricular administration of 25 ng/g nesfatin-1 resulted in a significant inhibition of appetite, likely mediated by the activation of central POMC and CART. Nesfatin-1 stimulated the glucosensing machinery (changes in sglt1, g6pase, gsase, and gnat3 mRNA expression) in the hindbrain and hypothalamus. Central fatty acid sensing mechanisms were unaltered by nesfatin-1, but this peptide altered the expression of mRNAs encoding factors regulating lipid metabolism (fat/cd36, acly, mcd, fas, lpl, pparα, and pparγ), suggesting that nesfatin-1 promotes lipid accumulation in neurons. In the liver, intracerebroventricular nesfatin-1 treatment resulted in decreased capacity for glucose use and lipogenesis, and increased the potential of fatty acid oxidation. Altogether, the present results demonstrate that nesfatin-1 is involved in the homeostatic regulation of food intake and metabolism in fish.