Topic: hypometabolism

We explore the potential of inducing a prolonged state of hypometabolism in mice, similar to hibernation, through the optogenetic activation of Q neurons. These neurons, known for producing pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide (QRFP), and localized in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPe) have been previously shown to induce a hibernation-like, hypometabolic state when excited. Our approach utilizes a 10µW optogenetic stimulation of OPN4dC, specifically targeting the AVPe of QrfpiCre/+ mice, to activate Q neurons and induce a state we term optogenetic QIH (Q neuron-induced hypometabolis

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) manifests as a self-perceived deterioration in memory and thinking abilities, undetectable through objective tests, but which is considered as an early at-risk phase for developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Understanding the brain structural and functional changes that underlie this condition is important in developing interventions that would prevent the evolution to dementia. Neuroimaging structural and resting state studies comparing SCD individuals with healthy controls (HC) have reported inconsistent results. Therefore

A growing body of evidence emphasizes that hypometabolism taking place in astrocytes may compromise their physiological neuro-supportive role and activate a set of pathophysiological pathways contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD) [1]. Here, we explored the potential role of astrocytes in driving a cascade of detrimental effects in the neighboring neurons and investigated a possible approach to limit the injury in both cell types [2]. To this aim, primary rat cortical astrocytes were exposed to glyceraldehyde (GA) to induce a metabolic s

Some animals use the strategy, known as hibernation, to survive harsh environments, such as extreme thermal challenges and food scarcity, by reducing metabolism and core body temperature. Recent work has shown that activation of Qrfp neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA) can induce a hibernation-like state in non-hibernators such as mice, termed Q-neuron-induced hypothermia and hypometabolism (QIH) (Takahashi et al., Nature, 2020). During QIH, the mice show hypothermia with low systemic oxygen consumption. Interestingly, they show immobile behaviours, such as hibernation and a