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Measuring Lactase Enzymatic Activity in the Teaching Lab
Published on: August 6, 2018
Central lactate metabolism regulates food intake
Carol K L Lam1, Madhu Chari, Penny Y T Wang
1Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Central nervous system lactate metabolism lowers food intake and body weight. Activating this pathway, by administering lactate or pyruvate, reduces food intake and body weight in rodents.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolism
- Physiology
Background:
- The central nervous system (CNS) plays a crucial role in regulating food intake (FI) and body weight (BW).
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying CNS regulation of FI and BW are not fully understood.
- Lactate's role in central appetite regulation requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of central lactate metabolism in regulating food intake and body weight.
- To determine if lactate metabolism within the CNS influences appetite and body mass.
- To elucidate the metabolic pathways involved in lactate-mediated effects on FI and BW.
Main Methods:
- Central administration of lactate and pyruvate in rodent models.
- Inhibition of lactate metabolism using the lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor oxamate.
- Assessment of food intake and body weight following central and peripheral lactate administration.
Main Results:
- Central injections of lactate significantly reduced food intake and body weight in rodents.
- Inhibition of central lactate metabolism to pyruvate abolished the effects of central lactate on FI and BW.
- Central administration of pyruvate mimicked the effects of lactate, reducing FI and BW.
- Inhibition of central lactate metabolism blocked the ability of circulating lactate to decrease FI and BW.
Conclusions:
- Activation of central lactate metabolism is a key factor in lowering food intake and body weight.
- Lactate influences appetite regulation through metabolic pathways within the central nervous system.
- Targeting central lactate metabolism may offer novel therapeutic strategies for managing body weight and metabolic disorders.
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