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Functional Interrogation of Adult Hypothalamic Neurogenesis with Focal Radiological Inhibition
Published on: November 14, 2013
Direct stimulation of BAT thermogenesis does not affect hypothalamic neuropeptide Y
Peptides
|January 23, 1998
Summary
Cold exposure increases hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels, but this is not caused by brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation. This suggests NPY release may be inhibited during cold, potentially disinhibiting BAT thermogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Adipose Tissue Biology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Acute cold exposure stimulates thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT).
- Cold exposure increases hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels, suggesting inhibited NPY release.
- The relationship between NPY changes and BAT activation during cold exposure requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if hypothalamic NPY level changes are a cause or consequence of BAT activation.
- To investigate the effect of direct BAT activation on hypothalamic NPY levels and mRNA.
Main Methods:
- Rats were treated with the beta 3-adrenoceptor agonist BRL 35135 to directly activate BAT thermogenesis.
- Hypothalamic NPY levels and NPY mRNA levels were measured.
- BAT uncoupling protein mRNA levels and core body temperature were assessed.
Main Results:
- BRL 35135 treatment doubled BAT uncoupling protein mRNA levels and increased core temperature.
- Hypothalamic regional NPY levels and NPY mRNA levels were unaffected by BRL 35135 treatment.
- Cold-induced NPY changes are not a result of BAT activation.
Conclusions:
- Hypothalamic NPY level changes during cold exposure are not caused by BAT activation.
- Decreased NPY release during cold may disinhibit sympathetic innervation driving BAT thermogenesis.
- This supports a regulatory role for NPY in cold-induced thermogenesis.
