Paraventricular Calcitonin Receptor-Expressing Neurons Modulate Energy Homeostasis in Male Mice.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Metabolism

Background:

• The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) regulates feeding and energy expenditure.
• Dysfunction in PVH neuronal populations is linked to obesity and altered energy balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of calcitonin receptor-expressing PVH neurons (CalcRPVH) in controlling energy balance.
• To determine the contribution of CalcRPVH neurons to body weight regulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Cre-dependent viral tools in CalcR2Acre mice for stereotactic delivery to the PVH.
• Activated, silenced, and traced CalcRPVH neurons to assess their function.
• Performed immunohistochemistry to analyze neuronal populations and projections.

Main Results:

• CalcRPVH neurons are distinct from other key PVH energy homeostasis populations.
• These neurons project to hindbrain regions involved in energy balance, including the nucleus of the solitary tract and parabrachial nucleus.
• Activation of CalcRPVH neurons suppressed feeding, while silencing led to obesity, potentially linked to melanocortin-4 receptor signaling.

Conclusions:

• CalcRPVH neurons are crucial for maintaining energy balance and body weight.
• Understanding CalcRPVH neuron mechanisms may reveal new therapeutic targets for obesity treatment.