Differential distribution and energy status-dependent regulation of the four CART neuropeptide genes in the zebrafish brain.

摘要: The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neuropeptide has been implicated in the neural regulation of energy homeostasis across vertebrate phyla. By using gene-specific situ hybridization, we have mapped distribution four CART mRNAs central nervous system adult zebrafish. widespread neuronal expression pattern for 2 4 suggests a prominent role peptide processing sensory information from diverse modalities including olfactory visual inputs. In contrast, 1 3 much more restricted distribution, predominantly located nucleus medial longitudinal fasciculus (NMLF) entopeduncular (EN), respectively. Enrichment preoptic tuberal areas emphasizes importance neuroendocrine functions. Starvation resulted significant decrease CART-positive cells recessus lateralis (NRL) tuberis (NLT) hypothalamic regions, suggesting function these neurons. Similarly, EN emerges as novel status–responsive region. Not only is there abundant overlapping 2, 3, EN, but also starvation induced CART-expressing neurons this cellular resolution mapping mRNA response nuclei to underscores processing. Additionally, regional responses levels suggest complex, interactive network whereby gene products may nonredundant functions homeostasis. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2266–2285, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.