Glucoregulatory effects of intrahypothalamic injections of bombesin and other peptides

Plasticity of central autonomic neural circuits in diabetes

Regulation of energy metabolism is controlled by the brain, in which key central neuronal circuits process a variety of information reflecting nutritional state. Special sensory and gastrointestinal afferent neural signals, along with blood-borne metabolic signals, impinge on parallel central autonomic circuits located in the brainstem and hypothalamus to signal changes in metabolic balance. Specifically, neural and humoral signals converge on the brainstem vagal system and similar signals concentrate in the hypothalamus, with significant overlap between both sensory and motor components of each system and extensive cross-talk between the systems. This ultimately results in production of coordinated regulatory autonomic and neuroendocrine cues to maintain energy homeostasis. Therapeutic metabolic adjustments can be accomplished by modulating viscerosensory input or autonomic motor output, including altering parasympathetic circuitry related to GI, pancreas, and liver regulation. These alterations can include pharmacological manipulation, but surgical modification of neural signaling should also be considered. In addition, central control of visceral function is often compromised by diabetes mellitus, indicating that circuit modification should be studied in the context of its effect on neurons in the diabetic state. Diabetes has traditionally been handled as a peripheral metabolic disease, but the central nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating glucose homeostasis. This review focuses on key autonomic brain areas associated with management of energy homeostasis and functional changes in these areas associated with the development of diabetes.

The metabolism of plasma glucose and catecholamines in Alzheimer's disease

Several lines of evidence suggest that the cholinergic system in the hippocampus plays a pivotal roll in regulating the peripheral metabolism of glucose and catecholamines. The injection of cholinergic stimulators including neostigmine, the acetylcholine esterase inhibitor, into the third ventricle or the hippocampus induces the elevation of glucose or catecholamines in plasma in rats. Under stress conditions, release of acetylcholine in the hippocampus increases, which coincides with the elevation of plasma glucose and catecholamines. Age-related reduction in responsivity of the cholinergic system in the hippocampus has been well documented. The intrahippocampal neostigmine injection induces significantly attenuated responses in plasma glucose and catecholamines in rats, the finding suggested that changes in cholinergic system activity in the hippocampus could result in alteration of the peripheral metabolism of glucose and catecholamines. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia, degeneration of the hippocampal cholinergic system is one of the most robust pathological features. Measurement of plasma catecholamines during a fasting state in the groups of AD subjects, vascular dementia subjects, and non-demented control subjects showed significantly lower plasma epinephrine levels in the AD subjects.

Proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) elevates blood glucose levels via bombesin receptor in mice

We found a potent hyperglycemic effect of proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) after intra-third cerebroventricular administration at a dose of 10 nmol in fasted mice. PAMP has four homologous residues with bombesin (BN), a hyperglycemic peptide. PAMP showed affinity for gastrin-releasing peptide preferring receptor (GRP-R) and neuromedin B preferring receptor. The PAMP-induced hyperglycemic effect was inhibited by [D-Phe(6), Leu-NHEt(13), des-Met(14)]-BN (6-14), GRP-R specific antagonist, indicating that the hyperglycemic effect is mediated at least in part via GRP-R. Furthermore, pretreatment of alpha-adrenergic blocker inhibited the PAMP-induced hyperglycemia and hyperglucagonemia, suggesting that the increase of glucagon secretion through alpha-adrenergic activation is involved in this hyperglycemic effect of PAMP.

Low plasma epinephrine in elderly female subjects of dementia of Alzheimer type

One of the robust features of brain pathologies of dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) is the impairment of the hippocampus, especially the cholinergic system. Several animal studies have suggested that the cholinergic system in the hippocampus is involved in the control of the plasma level of catecholamines and glucose. The stimulation of the hippocampal cholinergic system has resulted in the elevation of plasma catecholamines and glucose in rats. In the present study, we measured the plasma level of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, glucose, and insulin during a fasting state in the morning in hospitalized DAT (n=66), vascular dementia (VD) (n=28), or non-demented (ND) (n=21) females (mean age DAT=82. 49+/-4.98, VD=82.86+/-5.86, ND=82.95+/-7.77, respectively). Statistical analysis showed that the plasma level of epinephrine during a fasting state in DAT subjects was significantly lower than that of ND subjects; however, in VD subjects the level of epinephrine was not different from that of ND subjects. Other values did not differ significantly among the groups.

Role of central neural mechanisms in the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism

Central monoamine neurotransmitters affect blood glucose homeostasis. Activation of central cholinergic, noradrenergic histaminergic, and serotonergic neurons rapidly increase hepatic glucose output via the sympathetic nervous system. Acute hyperglycemia is mediated by three distinct pathways: the action of epinephrine on the liver, the action of glucagon on the liver, and the direct innervation of the liver. The relative contribution of these factors to hyperglycemia can be altered by diet and the kinds of neurotransmitters evoked in the central nervous system, but the magnitude of epinephrine secretion is closely related to the magnitude of hyperglycemia. On the other hand, neuropharmacological stimulation of central cholinergic muscarinic receptors, histaminergic H1 receptors, and serotonergic 5-HT2 receptors increases hypothalamic noradrenergic neuronal activity, which is associated with hyperglycemia. In contrast, central GABAA receptors play an inhibitory role in the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism. Thus, central monoaminergic neurons could be linked together, and play a homeostatic role in the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism.

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.

Push-pull perfusion reveals meal-dependent changes in the release of bombesin-like peptides in the rat paraventricular nucleus

Bombesin (BN)-like peptides have been implicated in the regulation of ingestive behavior. The main objective of the present study was to monitor the dynamics of central BN-like peptide release in relationship to spontaneous meal ingestion and termination. Peptide level fluctuations were determined using in vivo push-pull perfusion of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and off PVN sites, combined with ex vivo radioimmunoassay. Analysis across all meals revealed significant differences between preprandial, prandial and postprandial extracellular BN-like immunoreactivity (BLI) at the anterior aspect of the PVN, with about a 3-fold diminution during a meal as compared to before or after a meal. Meal-related fluctuations were not detected at more distal hypothalamic sites or at sites within the caudate nucleus. When the analysis was restricted exclusively to the first meal after dark onset, a similar pattern of change in the interstitial levels of PVN BLI was generally observed; levels being higher preprandially as compared to the prandially (albeit by a smaller magnitude), and the termination of the first meal being accompanied by a robust (about 3-fold) increase in BLI. This is the first demonstration of site specific in vivo release of BN-like peptides in relation to feeding status and it further supports the physiological role of this family of peptides in the regulation of food intake.

Gut-derived proteolysis during insulin-induced hypoglycemia: the pain that breaks down the gut

The metabolic events associated with early response to injury have received little attention because of the confounding effects of the hemodynamic alterations that normally occur during this early phase. We have used a well established and reproducible model of insulin-induced hypoglycemia in the conscious dog to define the glucose and amino acid kinetic alterations as well as the hormonal and interorgan amino acid and gluconeogenic precursor flux characteristics of the "ebb" phase of postinjury metabolism. The results from our whole-body response have demonstrated on enhanced rate of whole body proteolysis and amino acid oxidation. The site of the majority of the proteolytic response has been demonstrated to be the extra-hepatic splanchnic tissues or gut. These findings have been supported by studies focusing on the specific organ changes, which have demonstrated alterations compatible with impaired proliferation at the level of the gut mucosa. Furthermore, the regulation of this gut-derived proteolysis has been demonstrated to be mediated by the glucopenia at the level of the central nervous system. The specific site of this response is still elusive; however, the mediators seem to involve not only the traditional hormonal and neurotransmitter pathways but also the release of endogenous opioids and opiates. Although a cause-effect relationship has not yet been demonstrated for the control of gut-derived proteolysis by opioids and opiates, we present evidence that leads us to hypothesize that relationship as a possible regulatory mechanism.

Bicuculline methiodide influences the central nervous system to produce hyperglycemia in rats

The influence of bicuculline methiodide (BMI), a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor antagonist, on central nervous system regulation of blood glucose homeostasis was studied in fed rats. Injection of BMI (1-10 nmol) into the third ventricle was found to produce hepatic venous hyperglycemia in a dose-dependent manner. This change was associated with increased secretion of epinephrine and glucagon. The role of epinephrine in hyperglycemia was then studied in bilaterally adrenalectomized (ADX) rats injected with BMI. Plasma glucose concentration was found to increase in ADX rats although the level was approximately half that for intact rats and significantly higher than for controls. The increase in epinephrine and glucagon secretion seen in intact rats, but not in ADX rats, suggests BMI induced epinephrine release is responsible for the glucagon secretion. Three possible mechanisms are suggested to account for the rise in plasma glucose in the hepatic vein after injection of BMI: 1) that epinephrine is secreted by the adrenal medulla, 2) that epinephrine secretion stimulates glucagon secretion or 3) that there may be some direct innervation of the liver in rats.

Effects of central neuromedin B and related peptides on blood glucose

Bombesin (Bn), a peptide of amphibian origin, has been shown to induce hyperglycemia when injected centrally. In recent years, two families of Bn-like peptides have been isolated from the mammalian brain: the gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) type and neuromedin B (NB) type. Distinct receptor subtypes with different mRNAs have also been identified for NB versus GRP/Bn using hybridization and receptor binding studies. It is thus possible that those two families of peptides may display distinct pharmacological profiles. The objective of the current experiment was to determine whether the NB-like peptides could also affect blood glucose levels. The peptide analogs utilized were Bn, NB-10, NAcNB-10 and NB-32 (0, 0.031, 0.062, 0.31, 0.62, 3.1 nmol/3 microliters; i.c.v.). Male rats, chronically implanted with 4th ventricular cannula, were injected with the various neuropeptide doses using the Latin square design. Blood samples were collected (120 microliters) from the tail immediately preceding and at 15, 30 and 60 min following peptide administration. Bn elevated glucose for over 60 min and this effect was maximal at 30 min. NB-10 and NAcNB-10 only slightly elevated plasma glucose. NB-32 elevated plasma glucose at all doses tested, the effect being evident up to 60 min at the highest dose. Our data indicate that at equimolar doses (0.31 nM) NB analogues elevate blood glucose with a lower efficacy than Bn (Bn > NB-32 > NB-10 > or = NAcNB-10). NB-32 appears more potent and efficacious than the other NB congeners used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The lateral hypothalamic area revisited: neuroanatomy, body weight regulation, neuroendocrinology and metabolism

This article reviews findings that have accumulated since the original description of the syndrome that follows destruction of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). These data comprise the areas of neuroanatomy, body weight regulation, neuroendocrinology, neurochemistry, and intermediary metabolism. Neurons in the LHA are the largest in the hypothalamus, and are topographically well organized. The LHA belongs to the parasympathetic area of the hypothalamus, and connects with all major parts of the brain and the major hypothalamic nuclei. Rats with LHA lesions regulate their body weight set point in a primary manner and not because of destruction of a "feeding center". The lower body weight is not due to finickiness. In the early stages of the syndrome, catabolism and running activity are enhanced, and so is the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) as shown by increased norepinephrine excretion that normalizes one mo later. The LHA plays a role in the feedback control of body weight regulation different from ventromedial (VMN) and dorsomedial (DMN). Tissue preparations from the LHA promote glucose utilization and insulin release. Although it does not belong to the classical hypothysiotropic area of the hypothalamus, the LHA does affect neuroendocrine secretions. No plasma data on growth hormone are available following electrolytic lesions LHA but electrical stimulation fails to elicit GH secretion. Nevertheless, antiserum raised against the 1-37 fragment of human GHRF stains numerous perikarya in the dorsolateral LHA. The plasma circadian corticosterone rhythm is disrupted in LHA lesioned rats, but this is unlikely due to destruction of intrinsic oscillators. Stimulation studies show a profound role of the LHA in glucose metabolism (glycolysis, glycogenesis, gluconeogenesis), this mechanism being cholinergic. Its role in lipolysis appears not to be critical. In general, stimulation of the VMN elicits opposite effects. Lesion studies in rats show altered in vitro glucose carbon incorporation into several tissue fractions both a few days, and one mo after lesion production. Several of these changes may be due to the reduced food intake, others appear to be due to a "true" lesion effect.

Reduced hypothalamic neurotensin concentrations in the genetically obese diabetic (ob/ob) mouse: possible relationship to obesity

Hypothalamic tissue levels of nine regulatory peptides (bombesin, calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP], galanin, neuromedin B, neuropeptide Y [NPY], neurotensin, somatostatin, substance P, and vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP]) were compared in Aston obese diabetic (ob/ob) and lean (+/?) mice aged 4, 16, and 28 weeks. Neurotensin concentrations were significantly lower in ob/ob mice than in lean mice, with a 20% reduction (P = .03) in the whole hypothalamus at 4 weeks of age, a 24% reduction (P = .009) in the lateral hypothalamus at 16 weeks, and a 50% reduction (P = .0007) in the central hypothalamus at 28 weeks of age. Apart from a 42% increase in vasoactive intestinal peptide concentrations in the central hypothalamus of ob/ob mice at 28 weeks (P = .02), levels of the other eight peptides examined did not differ significantly between obese and lean groups. Neurotensin is known to cause anorexia and increased energy expenditure when injected into the central hypothalamus. Reduced hypothalamic neurotensin concentrations may reflect reduced neurotensinergic activity, which might contribute to hyperphagia and decreased energy expenditure, two major defects that contribute to obesity and diabetes in the ob/ob syndrome.

Increased beta-endorphin and dynorphin concentrations in discrete hypothalamic regions of genetically obese (ob/ob) mice

Disturbances in hypothalamic beta-endorphin and dynorphin levels were investigated in non-fasted genetically obese (ob/ob) and homozygous lean mice at 14-15 weeks of age. Eight brain regions were microdissected from fresh, unfixed brain slices, and opioid peptide concentrations were determined in tissue micropunches by radioimmunoassay. A two-fold and five-fold increase in beta-endorphin levels in ob/ob versus lean mice were found in the ventromedial and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei respectively. Dynorphin levels were comparable between ob/ob and lean mice in the anterior, lateral, ventromedial and paraventricular hypothalamic areas, but a 5-fold increase in dynorphin concentrations was detected in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus of the ob/ob mouse. These results demonstrate that increased concentrations of beta-endorphin and dynorphin occur in discrete hypothalamic nuclei, which are known to influence food intake and glucose homeostasis. This could signify an important central defect contributing to hyperphagia and glucoregulatory dysfunction in obese mice.

Central nervous system site of action of bombesin to elevate plasma concentrations of catecholamines

To identify the central nervous system site of action of bombesin to elevate plasma concentrations of catecholamines, this peptide has been injected into numerous brain ventricular and parenchymal sites. Low doses of bombesin (1-10 ng) injected into the region of the rostral nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) elicited an elevation of plasma catecholamines greater than those observed following an injection of bombesin into other brain regions. Bombesin-induced (10 ng) elevation of plasma epinephrine but not norepinephrine was prevented by co-administration of somatostatin-28 (100 ng). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured following injection of bombesin into the NTS. Bombesin injected into the NTS resulted in prolonged decreases in HR without significantly altering MAP. These studies demonstrate that bombesin injected into the dorsal medulla resulted in significant changes of plasma catecholamine levels and HR. Based on these actions of bombesin and the neuroanatomic distribution of bombesin-like peptide, it is suggested that this peptide may play an important role in regulation of sympatho-adrenal and cardiac functions.

Use of peptide probes to study brain regulation of glucose metabolism

Neuropeptides may be used to stimulate or inhibit neurocircuitry involved in regulation of visceral organ function, including glucose metabolism. Through the use of different peptides with different specificities, it may be possible to characterize the neuroendocrine and autonomic pathways involved in the physiologic regulation of glucose homeostasis.

Neuropeptides and catecholamines in efferent projections of the nuclei of the solitary tract in the rat

This study focuses on the involvement of catecholamines and nine different peptides in efferents of the nucleus of the solitary tract to the central nucleus of the amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and different parabrachial and hypothalamic nuclei in the rat. A double-labeling technique was used that combines a protein-gold complex as the retrograde tracer with immunohistochemistry. Catecholaminergic projection neurons were the most numerous type observed and projected mainly ipsilaterally to all targets studied. Most projections arose from areas overlying the dorsal motor nucleus, mainly the medial nucleus. Neurons synthesizing somatostatin, met-enkephalin-Arg-Gly-Leu, dynorphin B, neuropeptide Y, and neurotensin projected to all structures examined. Somatostatin and enkephalin immunoreactive projection cells were the most numerous. They were located in close proximity to each other, including all subnuclei immediately surrounding the solitary tract, bilaterally. Most dynorphin and neuropeptide Y immunoreactive projection cells were found rostral to that of enkephalinergic and somatostatinergic projections, and mainly in the ipsilateral medial nucleus. Neurotensinergic projections were sparse and from dorsal and dorsolateral nuclei. Substance P and cholecystokinin contribute to parabrachial afferents. The location of substance P immunoreactive projection cells closely resembled that of enkephalinergic and somatostatinergic projections. Projecting cholecystokinin immunoreactive cells were observed in dorsolateral nucleus. Bombesin immunoreactive cells in dorsal nucleus projected to either the parabrachial or hypothalamic nuclei. No vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-containing cells were detected. Thus, most catecholaminergic and neuropeptidergic efferents originated from different populations of cells. It is proposed that catecholaminergic neurons constitute the bulk of solitary efferents and that they may contribute to autonomic neurotransmission. Peptidergic neurons mainly form other subgroups of projections and may play a role in modulating the physiological state of the target nuclei.

Neostigmine-induced hyperglycemia is mediated by central muscarinic receptor in fed rats

We previously reported that neostigmine injected into the third cerebral ventricle stimulated adrenal secretion of epinephrine, secretion of glucagon from the pancreas, and direct neural innervation of the liver, resulting in hepatic venous plasma hyperglycemia in anesthetized fed rats. However, receptor type of these 3 mechanisms is not known. Therefore, we examined the effects of intraventricularly injected cholinergic or adrenergic antagonists on neostigmine-induced catecholamines in intact rats, glucagon secretion which is mediated by direct neural innervation of pancreas in bilateral adrenalectomized (ADX) rats, and hepatic venous hyperglycemia which is mediated by direct neural innervation of liver in ADX rats receiving constant infusion of somatostatin from femoral vein. Atropine injected into the third cerebral ventricle suppressed epinephrine secretion and dose-dependently inhibited hepatic venous hyperglycemia induced by neostigmine in intact rats. The neostigmine-induced glucagon secretion which occurs in ADX rats was suppressed by atropine. Atropine also prevented the neostigmine-induced hyperglycemia in ADX rats receiving constant somatostatin infusion through femoral vein (ADX-Somato rats). On the other hand, phentolamine, propranolol and hexamethonium showed no significant inhibitory effect on neostigmine-induced hyperglycemia, epinephrine and glucagon secretion in intact rats, glucagon secretion in ADX rats, or hyperglycemia in ADX-Somato rats. These results suggest that neostigmine-induced epinephrine and glucagon secretion and increased hepatic glucose output stimulated by direct neural innervation to liver is mediated by central muscarinic receptor in fed rats.

Central nervous system control of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in fed and fasted rat liver

The influence of brain cholinergic activation on hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis was studied in fed and 48-hour fasted rats. Neostigmine was injected into the third cerebral ventricle and hepatic venous plasma glucose, glucagon, insulin, and epinephrine were measured. The activity of hepatic phosphorylase-a and phosphoenolpyruvate-carboxykinase (PEP-CK) was also measured. Experimental groups: 1, intact rats; 2, rats infused with somatostatin through the femoral vein; 3, bilateral adrenodemedullated (ADMX) rats; 4, somatostatin infused ADMX rats; 5, 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA) was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before injection of neostigmine into the third cerebral ventricle of intact rats. MICA treatment completely suppressed the increase in hepatic glucose in fasted rats, but had no effect in fed rats. Phosphorylase-a activity was not changed in fasted rats, but increased in fed rats, intact rats, somatostatin-infused rats, somatostatin-infused ADMX rats, and ADMX rats in that order. PEP-CK was not changed in fed rats, but increased at 60 and 120 minutes after neostigmine injection into the third cerebral ventricle in fasted rats. We conclude that, in fed states, brain cholinergic activation causes glycogenolysis by epinephrine, glucagon, and direct neural innervation. In fasted states, on the other hand, gluconeogenesis is dependent on epinephrine alone to increase hepatic glucose output.

Elevated neuropeptide Y concentrations in the central hypothalamus of the spontaneously diabetic BB/E Wistar rat

Insulin-deficient diabetes causes hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunction. The possible role of hypothalamic regulatory peptides in mediating these disturbances was investigated in spontaneously diabetic BB/E Wistar rats. Concentrations of 10 regulatory peptides were measured in the central (nucleus-rich) and lateral parts of the hypothalamus in 18 diabetic and 5 non-diabetic BB/E rats. Diabetic rats were treated with either intensified or low-dose insulin schedules to achieve moderate or severe hyperglycaemia (mean blood glucose concentrations, 8 and 20 mmol l-1 respectively). Neuropeptide Y concentration and content in the central hypothalamus were increased by 30-40% in both moderately and severely hyperglycaemic diabetic groups (p less than 0.01). Lateral hypothalamic neuropeptide Y levels did not differ significantly between the groups. The only other peptide to show any significant difference between diabetic and control rats was calcitonin gene-related peptide, whose central hypothalamic concentrations were significantly increased in the severely hyperglycaemic animals. Alterations of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y, which has potent experimental effects on hypothalamo-pituitary function, may contribute to certain neuroendocrine disturbances in insulin-deficient diabetes.

Bombesin microinfusion into the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus increases blood glucose, free fatty acids and corticosterone

Bombesin is a particularly potent hyperglycemic agent when administered intraventricularly or intracisternally in the rat. Because bombesin-like immunoreactivity is found in several forebrain regions implicated in glucoregulation, the ability of direct hypothalamic microinfusions of this peptide to affect serum metabolic fuel levels was tested. Three experiments, using anesthetized, acutely infused rats, or unanesthetized rats with chronic intracranial implants, showed that microinfusion of bombesin into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus caused significant, dose-related increases in serum glucose; infusions into the lateral hypothalamus or the caudate nucleus were ineffective. Infusions into the ventromedial nucleus significantly elevated glucose only in acutely anesthetized rats. In unanesthetized rats with chronic intracranial cannulae, bombesin infusions into all 3 hypothalamic sites, but not the caudate-putamen, significantly elevated blood free fatty acids, while only infusions into the paraventricular nucleus caused significant dose-related increases in blood corticosterone. The results demonstrate that the paraventricular nucleus is a sensitive site for bombesin-induced elevation of blood glucose, free fatty acids, and corticosterone. They also imply that the bombesin binding sites and immunoreactive terminals previously identified in these regions may be involved in the central regulation of circulating metabolic fuel levels and the pituitary-adrenal axis, and that the effects of acute surgery may augment the hyperglycemic response to intrahypothalamic bombesin administration.

Relative contributions of the nervous system and hormones to CNS-mediated hyperglycemia

We quantitatively determined the relative contributions of hormonal factors and the nervous system to the total glucose response after stimulation of the cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system of fed rats. Hepatic venous plasma glucose, glucagon, insulin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine were measured during 120 min after injection of neostigmine (5 X 10(-8) mol) into the third cerebral ventricle in rats subjected to bilateral adrenodemedullation (ADMX) to prevent epinephrine secretion (observed insulin secretion), with and without intravenous infusion of somatostatin to prevent glucagon and insulin secretion. Injection of neostigmine in intact rats resulted in increases in glucose, glucagon, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Comparison of glucose areas suggests that 22% of the hyperglycemic response is due to the glucagon effect, that 29% is due to the epinephrine effect, and that an unknown factor other than epinephrine or glucagon, which may include activation through direct neural innervation of the liver via alpha-adrenergic receptor, contributes 49%. The suppressive effect of epinephrine on insulin secretion, which is potentially stimulated by direct neural activation of the pancreas, contributes 18% of the net hyperglycemia.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone blocks neurally-mediated hyperglycemia through central action

Central injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) potently blocked the development of, as well as rapidly reversed, 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG)-stimulated hyperglycemia in mice. The antihyperglycemic effect was dose-related, dependent upon the structural integrity of the peptide, dissociated from the peptide's hypophysiotropic action and from its interaction with TRH receptors, and mediated by the cholinergic parasympathetic system. Moreover, TRH blocked the rise in plasma glucose following central injection of corticotropin-releasing factor, enkephalin, clonidine and glucagon, as well as the hyperglycemic response to immobilization, electric foot shock or endotoxin administration. These results indicate that TRH, acting within the central nervous system, can block neurally-mediated hyperglycemia in addition to its previously reported actions to elicit systemic hypoglycemia in normoglycemic mice and to antagonize epinephrine-stimulated hyperglycemia in these animals.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone potently reverses epinephrine-stimulated hyperglycemia in mice

Intracerebroventricular microinjection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) potently blocked the development of, as well as promptly reversed, epinephrine-stimulated hyperglycemia in mice. The central antihyperglycemic effect was dose-related (0.1-10 micrograms), could be reproduced by an intravenous injection of a large dose of the peptide (100 micrograms), was independent of experimental factors such as stress and age, was effective against other hyperglycemic stimuli, and appeared to be unique to TRH, as it could not be mimicked by many other centrally active peptides known to influence glucoregulation in normoglycemic animals. Moreover, the antihyperglycemic effect of TRH appeared to depend on the structural integrity of the peptide molecule but seemed to be unrelated to the peptide's hypophysiotropic actions or to interaction of the peptide with previously characterized TRH receptors, as it could be mimicked by various analogs devoid of thyrotropin- and prolactin-releasing influences or by peptides resembling TRH in amino acid composition but lacking substantial binding affinity to TRH receptors. Furthermore, the effect of TRH to reverse epinephrine-stimulated hyperglycemia appeared to be mediated by combined action of peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic mechanisms to stimulate insulin release from the pancreas, since only complete blockade of the central autonomic outflow, but not selective perturbation of the sympathetic or parasympathetic outflow, or depletion of pancreatic insulin could substantially attenuate the antihyperglycemic action. Taken together, these results suggest a new physiologic role of TRH as a central glucoregulatory neuropeptide involved in autonomic modulation of insulin secretion and prevention of hyperglycemia.

Bombesin-induced anorexia: sites of action in the rat brain

To determine the brain sites at which centrally injected bombesin (BBS) may act to suppress feeding behavior, this peptide (1.0 micrograms/0.3 microliter) was microinjected into one of twelve brain regions in 6 hr food deprived rats, and food intake was measured 45 min postinjection. Bombesin produced its strongest suppression of feeding (47-65%) when injected into hypothalamic areas, namely, the paraventricular, dorsomedial, ventromedial nuclei and lateral hypothalamus, and also when administered into the amygdala and the periaqueductal gray. Insensitive areas included the septum, ventral tegmental area and reticular formation. In contrast to these somewhat site-specific effects on feeding behavior, observation of BBS' effects on other behaviors revealed that, in all brain areas tested, there was a significant increase in grooming behavior and decrease in time spent resting and sleeping. In conjunction with high levels of BBS-like immunoreactivity and BBS receptors in the brain areas where injected BBS suppresses feeding, these results suggest that the effects of centrally administered BBS on feeding behavior may be mediated by multiple hypothalamic and extra-hypothalamic brain regions.

Mechanism of central hyperglycemic effect of cholinergic agonists in fasted rats

The influence of cholinergic agonists on central nervous system (CNS) regulation of blood sugar homeostasis was studied in fasted rats. When carbachol, muscarine, bethanechol, methacholine, or neostigmine was injected into the third cerebral ventricle, it caused a dose-dependent increase in the hepatic venous plasma glucose concentration. However, in the case of 1,1-dimethylphenyl-4-piperazinium iodide (DMPP) or nicotine, the level of hepatic venous glucose did not differ from that of the saline-treated control rats. The increase in glucose level caused by neostigmine was dose-dependently suppressed by coadministration of atropine. These facts suggest that cholinergic activation of muscarinic receptors in the CNS plays a role in increasing hepatic glucose output. Injection of neostigmine (5 X 10(-8) mol), an inhibitor of cholinesterase, into the ventricle resulted in the increase of not only glucose, but also glucagon, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in the hepatic venous plasma. However, constant infusion of somatostatin through a femoral vein completely prevented the increase of glucagon after administration of neostigmine, although the increase of hepatic venous glucose and epinephrine levels were still observed. Neostigmine-induced increments in glucose did not occur in adrenalectomized rats. This suggests that the secreted epinephrine acts directly on the liver to increase hepatic glucose output.

Central thyrotropin-releasing hormone elicits systemic hypoglycemia in mice

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), injected into the central nervous system (CNS) in rats, has been shown to elicit systemic hyperglycemia. In the present study, central TRH administration significantly decreased the plasma glucose in mice. The hypoglycemic response could be blocked by pretreatment with the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist, atropine methyl bromide, or the diabetogenic beta-cytotoxin, alloxan, implicating the involvement of the parasympathetic system and insulin-secreting cells in the endocrine pancreas. The role of TRH in the CNS in the autonomic regulation of glucose homeostasis is discussed.