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Exogenous prolactin-releasing peptide's orexigenic effect is associated with hypothalamic neuropeptide Y in chicks

Guoqing Wang1, Tetsuya Tachibana2, Elizabeth R Gilbert1

  • 1Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.

Neuropeptides
|September 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) stimulates hunger in chicks, unlike in rats. This study reveals PrRP increases hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA, suggesting a key role in avian appetite regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Comparative Physiology
  • Appetite Regulation

Background:

  • Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) has opposing effects on food intake in mammals and birds.
  • The central appetite regulation mechanisms of PrRP in chicks remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothalamic mechanisms underlying PrRP-induced feeding behavior in chicks.
  • To determine the potency and specificity of PrRP's orexigenic effects in avian models.

Main Methods:

  • Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of PrRP were administered to chicks.
  • Food and water intake, and blood glucose levels were monitored.
  • Hypothalamic neuropeptide gene mRNA abundance was quantified using RT-qPCR.

Main Results:

  • PrRP dose-dependently increased food intake in chicks, with significant effects at 3 pmol.
  • PrRP did not alter water intake or blood glucose levels.
  • Hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA levels were significantly elevated following PrRP administration.

Conclusions:

  • PrRP acts as a potent orexigenic peptide in chicks.
  • The orexigenic effect of PrRP in chicks is likely mediated by an increase in hypothalamic NPY.
  • These findings shed light on the evolutionary divergence of appetite regulation pathways in mammals and birds.

Keywords:
ChickFood intakeHypothalamusProlactin-releasing peptide

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