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Dietary fat ingestion activates β‐endorphin neurons in the hypothalamus
Author(s) -
Matsumura Shigenobu,
Eguchi Ai,
Okafuji Yoko,
Tatsu Sotaro,
Mizushige Takafumi,
Tsuzuki Satoshi,
Inoue Kazuo,
Fushiki Tohru
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.03.028
Subject(s) - ingestion , hypothalamus , medicine , stimulation , endocrinology , neuropeptide , taste , chemistry , opioid peptide , lateral hypothalamus , c fos , endogeny , beta endorphin , opioid , gene expression , food science , receptor , biochemistry , gene
The opioid system regulates food choice, consumption, and reinforcement processes, especially for palatable meals such as fatty food. β‐Endorphin is known as an endogenous opioid peptide produced in neurons of the hypothalamus. In this study, we found that Intralipid (fat emulsion) ingestion increased c‐fos expression in β‐endorphin neurons. However, intragastric infusion of Intralipid only slightly increased c‐fos expression 2 h after infusion. Further, dissection of glossopharyngeal nerve, innervating posterior tongue taste buds, partially but significantly decreased the Intralipid‐induced c‐fos expression. These results indicate that mainly the orosensory stimulation from fat may activate β‐endorphin neurons, thereby promoting β‐endorphin release.