Uneven balance of power between hypothalamic peptidergic neurons in the control of feeding

Abstract

The interplay between the anorexigenic and orexigenic neurons in the arcuate nucleus that contributes to the control of feeding remains elusive. Using optogenetic stimulation, we show that activation of POMC neurons rapidly inhibits feeding behavior in fasted animals. However, simultaneous stimulation of both POMC neurons and a subset of the orexigenic neurons that express AgRP is sufficient to reverse that inhibition and trigger intense feeding behavior. We used 3D imaging and functional studies to illuminate the anatomical underpinning of both the inhibitory and excitatory events. Our work suggests that translational applications that aim to control appetite need to target the activation rather than the inhibition mechanisms.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Sep 17, 2018
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.1802237115

Entities

People

  • Brian Martin
  • David M. Krolewski
  • Fei Li
  • Geoffrey G. Murphy
  • Huda Akil
  • Karl Deisseroth
  • Qiang Wei
  • Raju Tomer
  • Shannon Moore
  • Stanley J. Watson Jr.
  • Vivek Kumar

Organizations

  • Columbia University
  • Hope for Depression Research Foundation
  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • Office of Naval Research
  • Stanford University
  • University of Michigan

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Neuroscience