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Involvement of hypothalamic PI3K-STAT3 signalling in regulating appetite suppression mediated by amphetamine
Shu-Chen Chu1, Pei-Ni Chen, Yih-Shou Hsieh
1Department of Food Science, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung City, Taiwan.
Background And Purpose:
Appetite suppression induced by amphetamine has been attributed to its inhibition of neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons and activation of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus. This study examined whether STAT3 was involved in these actions of amphetamine.
Experimental Approach:
Rats were given amphetamine daily for 4 days. Changes in the expression of NPY, POMC, melanocortin MC3 receptors, PI3K and STAT3 in the hypothalamus were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Antisense oligonucleotides to STAT3 were also used.
Key Results:
Expression of NPY decreased with a maximum effect day 2 of amphetamine treatment. Expression of POMC, MC3 receptors, PI3K and STAT3 increased with a maximum response on day 2. Moreover, phosphorylation of STAT3 and its DNA binding activity increased and was expressed in a similar pattern. Infusion (i.c.v.) of STAT3 antisense at 60 min before amphetamine treatment, partly blocked amphetamine-induced anorexia and modulated expression of NPY, POMC, MC3 receptors and PI3K, indicating the involvement of STAT3 in amphetamine-treated rats.
Conclusions And Implications:
Hypothalamic PI3K-STAT3 signalling participated in the regulation of NPY- and POMC-mediated appetite suppression. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of anorectic drugs.
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