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Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
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Increased hypothalamic serotonin turnover in inflammation-induced anorexia.
J T Dwarkasing1, R F Witkamp2, M V Boekschoten3
1Nutrition and Pharmacology Group, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Bomenweg 2, 6703HD, Wageningen, The Netherlands. jvalini@hotmail.com.
BMC Neuroscience
|May 22, 2016
Summary
Peripheral inflammation triggers anorexia by affecting hypothalamic serotonin pathways. This study shows inflammatory mediators increase serotonin release, leading to reduced food intake in mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa is a serious complication of disease.
- Inflammation and hypothalamic dysregulation, marked by elevated serotonin, are implicated in anorexia.
- The study investigates the link between peripheral inflammation, anorexia, and hypothalamic serotonin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the connections between peripheral inflammation, anorexia, and hypothalamic serotonin metabolism.
- To investigate the response of hypothalamic neurons to inflammatory mediators.
- To analyze transcriptomic and serotonergic changes in the mouse hypothalamus following inflammation induction.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using hypothalamic neuronal cell lines exposed to TNFα, IL-6, and LPS.
- In vivo studies involving intraperitoneal injection of TNFα, IL-6, or both in mice.
- Analysis of gene expression, cytokine release, and serotonin turnover in hypothalamic tissue.
Main Results:
- Hypothalamic neurons released cytokines and serotonin in response to inflammatory mediators.
- Mice treated with TNFα and IL-6 exhibited reduced food intake and altered hypothalamic gene expression.
- Elevated hypothalamic serotonin turnover was observed in treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral inflammation impacts hypothalamic serotonin metabolism and signaling pathways.
- Serotonin plays a role in inflammation-induced anorexia.
- These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying anorexia associated with inflammatory diseases.
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