Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Setting the tone: reactive oxygen species and the control of appetitive melanocortin neurons
Justin J Rochford1, Martin G Myers, Lora K Heisler
1Institute of Metabolic Sciences, Medical Research Laboratories, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Cell Metabolism
|November 8, 2011
Abstract:
The brain melanocortin system is a primary gateway through which energy balance is controlled. Diano and colleagues report a novel cellular mechanism mediated via reactive oxygen species (ROS) that regulates the activity of these melanocortin neurons in response to energy status, thereby modulating appetitive behavior (Diano et al., 2011).
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Food Intake
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission
Postganglionic sympathetic fibers (except those supplying the sweat glands) releasing noradrenaline or norepinephrine are called noradrenergic or adrenergic neurons. Noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, or epinephrine are collectively called "catecholamines" as they contain a catechol moiety and an amine side chain. The five stages of neurotransmitter release involve their synthesis, storage, release, reuptake and metabolism.
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...

