Neuropeptide VF in Fatigue Behavior

Abstract

Individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) complain of profound fatigue. We here performing a series of experiments to understand the central nervous system mechanism of fatigue. We are studying a new candidate fatigue-mediating neuron type, which expresses the neuropeptide NPVF and which is located in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH). Our first objective is to test the role of Npvf neurons in fatigue behavior. Our second objective is to develop an ELISA assay to detect NPVF in bodily fluids. The achievement of these two objectives opens the door to future directions aimed at understanding fatigue in general and specifically in individuals with ME/CFS. We have made progress in both objectives. We have shown that activation of the Npvf neurons causes a reduction in wheel running behavior, a proxy for fatigue. We have also shown that mice lacking the neuropeptide NPVF resume wheel running behavior after lipopolysaccharide injection earlier than control mice.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2023
Accession Number
AD1204405

Entities

People

  • David M Raizen

Organizations

  • University of Pennsylvania

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Biomolecules
  • Brain
  • Cellular Structures
  • Central Nervous System
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Civilian Population
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electronic Mail
  • Gene Expression
  • Hypothalamus
  • Immune System
  • Information Operations
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Maryland
  • Nervous System
  • Pennsylvania
  • Peptides
  • Physical Activity
  • Universities

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