Topic: proopiomelanocortin neurons

Oxytocin (Oxt) is a hormone produced in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei of the hypothalamus, known to mediate the central anorexigenic effects of the adipokine leptin (Lep), as well as to promote adipose tissue (AT) lipolysis at the periphery. Here, we sought to address whether Oxt neurons could directly respond to Lep, and if any such regulatory cascade would increase Oxt levels in plasma. Adult C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with mouse recombinant leptin (0.5 mg/kg) or saline, while others were subjected to standard or high-fat diet (HFD). Hypothalamus, AT

Proopiomelanocortin neurons have been primarily described as controlling feeding behavior, but accumulating evidence also showed a crucial role of these neurons in the control of glucose homeostasis. For this, and in addition of being able to sense peripheral signals, POMC neurons receive direct upstream excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) inputs coming from a plethora of brain areas. Remarkably, EphrinBs (EphrinB1, B2, B3) proteins are well-known actor of glutamatergic synapse formation and plasticity. A study from our group showed that the modulation of EphrinB1 a during development