Agouti-related peptide-expressing neurons are mandatory for feeding

Nat Neurosci. 2005 Oct;8(10):1289-91. doi: 10.1038/nn1548. Epub 2005 Sep 11.

Abstract

Multiple hormones controlling energy homeostasis regulate the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Nevertheless, inactivation of the genes encoding NPY and/or AgRP has no impact on food intake in mice. Here we demonstrate that induced selective ablation of AgRP-expressing neurons in adult mice results in acute reduction of feeding, demonstrating direct evidence for a critical role of these neurons in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Agouti-Related Protein
  • Animals
  • Anorexia / metabolism
  • Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / cytology*
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Body Weight / physiology
  • Cell Count / methods
  • Diphtheria Toxin / pharmacology
  • Eating / drug effects
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neuropeptide Y / genetics
  • Neuropeptide Y / metabolism
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin / deficiency
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin / genetics
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin / metabolism
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Time Factors
  • beta-Galactosidase / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Agouti-Related Protein
  • Diphtheria Toxin
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Neuropeptide Y
  • Proteins
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin
  • beta-Galactosidase