On the mechanism of fasting-associated elevations in hypothalamic cyclo(His-Pro) content

Potential mechanism(s) underlying the fasting-associated rise in hypothalamic cyclo(His-Pro) content was explored by examining the effects of 24-hour fasting on: (i) cyclo(His-Pro) synthesis from TRH, (ii) cyclo(His-Pro) metabolism, and (iii) cyclo (His-Pro) secretion by hypothalamic tissue in vitro. The data presented here show that none of these three variables were altered due to fasting. Two additional potential changes that could cause cyclo(His-Pro) elevations during fasting are suggested. These include an in vivo decrease in hypothalamic cyclo(His-Pro) secretion that may not be apparent in vitro, and/or an increase in the synthesis of cyclo(His-Pro) from a precursor(s) other than TRH.