Galanin-containing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus: a neurochemical marker for fat ingestion and body weight gain.

摘要: The physiological function of the peptide galanin (Gal) remains to be established. It is known exist in high concentrations within hypothalamus and modulate secretion specific hormones, as well potentiate food consumption. Our study provides evidence for an essential neuronal Gal, a hypothalamic area, stimulating behavioral process fat ingestion body weight gain. Through analyses levels via RIA gene expression situ hybridization, close positive association established between Gal paraventricular nucleus (PVN), particularly its midlateral region, ingestion. No such relationship detected other brain areas or PVN carbohydrate protein, supporting anatomical specificity this relationship. injection studies with antisense oligonucleotides mRNA, dramatic decline suggests that endogenous contributes natural appetite fat. Thus, identified neurochemical marker and, consequently,