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Adrenal involvement in scrapie-induced obesity
Y S Kim1, R I Carp, S M Callahan
1New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Institute for Basic Research, Staten Island 10314.
Summary
Scrapie infection can cause obesity in mice by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This study shows scrapie increases food intake and body weight, with adrenalectomy preventing obesity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Previous studies indicated weight gain in mice during preclinical scrapie.
- Hypothalamic injections augmented this effect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of scrapie-induced obesity.
- To determine the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in scrapie-associated weight gain.
Main Methods:
- Mice were injected with different scrapie strains (139A, ME7).
- Food consumption, body weight, and organ weights were measured.
- Adrenalectomy was performed in some mice to assess the adrenal gland's role.
Main Results:
- Both 139A and ME7 scrapie groups showed increased food consumption.
- Only the ME7 group exhibited increased body weight.
- The adrenal gland was the only organ with significant weight increase, despite low scrapie titers.
- Adrenalectomy prevented body weight increase in ME7-injected mice.
Conclusions:
- Scrapie-induced obesity appears to involve the HPA axis.
- The adrenal gland plays a crucial role in mediating scrapie-associated weight gain.