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Dynamics of Gut-Brain Communication Underlying Hunger
Lisa R Beutler1, Yiming Chen2, Jamie S Ahn3
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Kavli Center for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
Neuron
|October 13, 2017
Summary
Nutrient intake quickly reduces hunger signals in the brain by acting on AgRP neurons. Gastrointestinal signals like serotonin, CCK, and PYY are key, while leptin acts slowly to regulate feeding behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Gut-brain communication is vital for maintaining homeostasis.
- The neural mechanisms underlying feeding regulation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the real-time effects of nutrient intake on hunger-promoting neurons.
- To elucidate the roles of various gastrointestinal signals in regulating feeding behavior.
Main Methods:
- In vivo studies using awake, behaving mice.
- Intragastric nutrient infusions to monitor neural activity.
- Assessment of gastrointestinal signals (serotonin, CCK, PYY) and leptin.
Main Results:
- Intragastric nutrient infusion rapidly inhibits hunger-promoting AgRP neurons.
- Inhibition is calorie-dependent but independent of macronutrient type or nutritional status.
- Serotonin, CCK, and PYY are essential for acute feeding inhibition.
- Leptin mediates a slower, long-term modulation of feeding circuits.
Conclusions:
- Visceral signals converge on hypothalamic feeding circuits to represent energy balance.
- Distinct timescales of signaling (acute vs. slow) contribute to feeding regulation.
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