Open AccessNetwork dynamics of hypothalamic feeding neurons
Author(s) -
Patrick J. Sweeney,
Can Chen,
Indika Rajapakse,
Roger D. Cone
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2011140118
Subject(s) - melanocortin , melanocortin 4 receptor , hypothalamus , biology , nucleus , biological neural network , premovement neuronal activity , receptor , neuroscience , stimulation , agonist , endocrinology , arcuate nucleus , medicine , genetics
Significance Paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons expressing the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) integrate hormonal and neuronal information concerning energy availability and engage neural circuitry controlling feeding, metabolism, and neuroendocrine function in response to changes in body weight and stored energy. Thereby, the dynamic activity of PVN MC4R neurons may serve as a neural representation of body weight “set point.” Here, we demonstrate that PVN MC4R neuronal activity is bidirectionally regulated by changes in energy state, as neuronal activity is gradually suppressed during fasting and increased in response to refeeding. Together, these findings provide a framework for understanding how hunger and satiety are controlled within critical neurons involved in energy homeostasis.