Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone increases the activity of melanocortin-3 receptor-expressing neurons in the ventral tegmental area.

摘要: KEY POINTS Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is an anorexigenic peptide. Injection of the α-MSH analog MTII into ventral tegmental area (VTA) decreases food and sucrose intake reward. Melanocortin-3 receptors (MC3R) are highly expressed in VTA, suggesting that effects intra-VTA may be mediated by changing activity MC3R-expressing VTA neurons. increased firing rate MC3R neurons acute brain slices from mice, although it did not affect non-MC3R The induced increase neuron probably activity-dependent, was independent fast synaptic transmission intracellular Ca2+ levels. These results help us to better understand how acts feeding other dopamine-dependent behaviours. ABSTRACT mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, brain's reward regulates multiple behaviours, including There substantial evidence melanocortin system hypothalamus, important neural circuit controlling body weight, interacts with feeding, weight. For example, melanocortin-3 (MC3Rs) our laboratory previously showed injection agonist, MTII, home-cage operant responding for pellets. However, cellular mechanisms underlying alpha-melanocyte on unknown. To determine we performed electrophysiological recordings mice expressing enhanced yellow fluorescent protein test affects significantly without altering In addition, α-MSH-induced Finally, show effect activity-dependent. Overall, these studies provide advancement understanding