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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation
Published on: August 4, 2023
Orexins/hypocretins and aminergic systems
K S Eriksson1, O A Sergeeva, H L Haas
1Department of Neurophysiology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Dusseldorf, Germany.
Abstract:
Orexin/hypocretin neurones in the posterior hypothalamus are mutually connected with noradrenergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, histaminergic, and cholinergic neurone systems. They activate these targets by direct post-synaptic and indirect pre-synaptic mechanisms and in turn receive inhibitory feedback and excitatory feed forward control. With respect to behavioural state control, orexin/hypocretin neurones are conducting the orchestra of biogenic amines. This review highlights the role of these players in the control of energy administration, sleep-wake architecture, cortical activation, plasticity, and memory functions in health and disease.
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