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Ghrelin Receptor Stimulation of the Lateral Parabrachial Nucleus in Rats Increases Food Intake but not Food Motivation
Author(s) -
Bake Tina,
Le May Marie V.,
Edvardsson Christian E.,
Vogel Heike,
Bergström Ulrika,
Albers Marjorie Nicholson,
Skibicka Karolina P.,
Farkas Imre,
Liposits Zsolt,
Dickson Suzanne L.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.22875
Subject(s) - ghrelin , lateral parabrachial nucleus , orexigenic , endocrinology , medicine , palatability , parabrachial nucleus , antagonist , chemistry , receptor , psychology , hypothalamus , neuropeptide , food science , neuropeptide y receptor
Objective The lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN) in the brainstem has emerged as a key area involved in feeding control that is targeted by several circulating anorexigenic hormones. Here, the objective was to determine whether the lPBN is also a relevant site for the orexigenic hormone ghrelin, inspired by studies in mice and rats showing that there is an abundance of ghrelin receptors in this area. Methods This study first explored whether iPBN cells respond to ghrelin involving Fos mapping and electrophysiological studies in rats. Next, rats were injected acutely with ghrelin, a ghrelin receptor antagonist, or vehicle into the lPBN to investigate feeding‐linked behaviors. Results Curiously, ghrelin injection (intracerebroventricular or intravenous) increased Fos protein expression in the lPBN yet the predominant electrophysiological response was inhibitory. Intra‐lPBN ghrelin injection increased chow or high‐fat diet intake, whereas the antagonist decreased chow intake only. In a choice paradigm, intra‐lPBN ghrelin increased intake of chow but not lard or sucrose. Intra‐lPBN ghrelin did not alter progressive ratio lever pressing for sucrose or conditioned place preference for chocolate. Conclusions The lPBN is a novel locus from which ghrelin can alter consummatory behaviors (food intake and choice) but not appetitive behaviors (food reward and motivation).