Differential expression of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript and agouti related-protein in chronically food-restricted sheep

Effects of the central melanocortin system on feed intake, metabolic hormones and insulin action in the sheep

Voluntary feed intake is insufficient to meet the nutrient demands associated with late pregnancy in prolific ewes and early lactation in high-yielding dairy cows. Under these conditions, peripheral signals such as growth hormone and ceramides trigger adaptations aimed at preserving metabolic well-being. Recent work in rodents has shown that the central nervous system-melanocortin (CNS-MC) system, consisting of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and agouti-related peptide (AGRP) acting respectively as agonist and antagonist on central MC receptors, contributes to the regulation of some of the same adaptations. To assess the effects of the CNC-MC on peripheral adaptations in ruminants, ewes were implanted with an intracerebroventricular cannula in the third ventricle and infused over days with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), the α-MSH analog melanotan-I (MTI), or AGRP. Infusion of MTI at 0.03 nmol/h reduced intake, expressed as a fold of maintenance energy requirement (M), from 1.8 to 1.1 M (P < 0.0001), whereas AGRP at 0.3 nmol/h increased intake from 1.8 to 2.0 M (P < 0.01); these doses were used in all subsequent experiments. To assess the effect of MTI on plasma variables, sheep were fed ad libitum and infused with aCSF or MTI or pair-fed to MTI-treated sheep and infused with aCSF (aCSFPF). Feed intake of the MTI and aCSFPF groups was 40% lower than the aCSF group (P < 0.0001). MTI increased plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine in an intake-independent manner (P < 0.05 or less) but was devoid of effects on plasma glucose, insulin, and cortisol. None of these variables were altered by AGRP infusion in sheep fed at a fixed intake of 1.6 M. To assess the effect of CNS-MC activation on insulin action, ewes were infused with aCSF or MTI over the last 3 d of a 14-d period when energy intake was limited to 0.3 M and studied under basal conditions and during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. MTI had no effect on plasma glucose, plasma insulin, or glucose entry rate under basal conditions but blunted the ability of insulin to inhibit endogenous glucose production during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (P < 0.0001). Finally, MTI tended to reduce plasma leptin in sheep fed at 0.3 M (P < 0.08), and this effect became significant at 0.6 M (P < 0.05); MTI had no effect on plasma adiponectin irrespective of feeding level. These data suggest a role for the CNC-MC in regulating metabolic efficiency and peripheral insulin action.

Exercise counteracts the homeostatic decrease in thermogenesis caused by caloric restriction in sheep

Caloric restriction causes a homeostatic reduction in thermogenesis. We aimed to determine whether exercise could counteract this. We studied four groups of normal-weight ewes ( n = 5), including control sedentary fed ad libitum, exercise fed ad libitum (30 min/d, 5 d/wk), diet-restricted (70% of ad libitum food intake), and combined diet and exercise. Temperature probes implanted in sternal and retroperitoneal adipose tissue and skeletal muscle measured thermogenesis. After the 4-wk intervention, hypothalami were collected for in situ hybridization, and fat and muscle biopsies were collected for real-time PCR and Western blotting. Combined diet and exercise reduced adiposity ( P < 0.05). Caloric restriction alone reduced overnight temperatures in sternal and retroperitoneal fat ( P < 0.05), which was counteracted by exercise ( P < 0.05). Exercise did not induce expression of cellular markers of browning in adipose tissue. There was no effect of diet or exercise on skeletal muscle thermogenesis. Combined diet and exercise increased the expression of neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus ( P < 0.05), consistent with reduced adiposity. Gene expressions of key hypothalamic appetite-regulating peptides were not associated with altered thermogenesis. We demonstrate that exercise counteracts the inhibitory effect of caloric restriction to restore thermogenesis in adipose tissue of sheep.-Fuller-Jackson, J.-P., Clarke, I. J., Rao, A., Henry, B. A. Exercise counteracts the homeostatic decrease in thermogenesis caused by caloric restriction in sheep.

Hypothalamic Integration of Metabolic, Endocrine, and Circadian Signals in Fish: Involvement in the Control of Food Intake

The regulation of food intake in fish is a complex process carried out through several different mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS) with hypothalamus being the main regulatory center. As in mammals, a complex hypothalamic circuit including two populations of neurons: one co-expressing neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and the second one population co-expressing pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is involved in the integration of information relating to food intake control. The production and release of these peptides control food intake, and the production results from the integration of information of different nature such as levels of nutrients and hormones as well as circadian signals. The present review summarizes the knowledge and recent findings about the presence and functioning of these mechanisms in fish and their differences vs. the known mammalian model.

Arcuate nucleus neuropeptide coexpression and connections to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurones in the female rhesus macaque

The underlying hypothalamic neurocircuitry by which metabolism and feeding regulates reproductive function has been well-studied in the rodent; however, recent data have demonstrated significant neuroanatomical differences in the human brain. The present study had three objectives, centred on arcuate nucleus neuropeptides regulating feeding and reproduction: (i) to characterise coexpression patterns in the female nonhuman primate; (ii) to establish whether these neuronal populations make potential contacts with gonadotophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones; and (iii) to determine whether these contacts differ between the low and high GnRH-releasing states of pre-puberty and adulthood, respectively. Female nonhuman primates have several coexpression patterns of hypothalamic neuropeptides that differ from those reported in rodents. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is not coexpressed with pro-opiomelanocortin but instead with neuropeptide Y (NPY). CART is also expressed in a subpopulation of kisspeptin cells in the nonhuman primate, similar to observations in humans but diverging from findings in rodents. Very few GnRH-expressing neurones received close appositions from double-labelled kisspeptin/CART fibres; however, both single-labelled kisspeptin and CART fibres were in frequent apposition with GnRH neurones, with no differences between prepubertal and adult animals. NPY/agouti-related peptide (AgRP) coexpressing fibres contacted significantly more GnRH neurones in prepubertal animals than adults, consistent with increased NPY and AgRP mRNA observed in prepubertal animals. The findings of the present study detail significant differences in arcuate nucleus neuropeptide coexpression in the monkey compared to the rodent and are consistent with the hypothesis that arcuate nucleus NPY/AgRP neurones play an inhibitory role in controlling GnRH neuronal regulation in the prepubertal primate.

Regulation of Agouti-Related Protein and Pro-Opiomelanocortin Gene Expression in the Avian Arcuate Nucleus

The arcuate nucleus is generally conserved across vertebrate taxa in its neuroanatomy and neuropeptide expression. Gene expression of agouti-related protein (AGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) has been established in the arcuate nucleus of several bird species and co-localization demonstrated for AGRP and NPY. The proteins encoded by these genes exert comparable effects on food intake in birds after central administration to those seen in other vertebrates, with AGRP and NPY being orexigenic and CART and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone anorexigenic. We have focused on the measurement of arcuate nucleus AGRP and POMC expression in several avian models in relation to the regulation of energy balance, incubation, stress, and growth. AGRP mRNA and POMC mRNA are, respectively, up- and downregulated after energy deprivation and restriction. This suggests that coordinated changes in the activity of AGRP and POMC neurons help to drive the homeostatic response to replace depleted energy stores in birds as in other vertebrates. While AGRP and POMC expression are generally positively and negatively correlated with food intake, respectively, we review here situations in some avian models in which AGRP gene expression is dissociated from the level of food intake and may have an influence on growth independent of changes in appetite. This suggests the possibility that the central melanocortin system exerts more pleiotropic functions in birds. While the neuroanatomical arrangement of AGRP and POMC neurons and the sensitivity of their activity to nutritional state appear generally conserved with other vertebrates, detailed knowledge is lacking of the key nutritional feedback signals acting on the avian arcuate nucleus and there appear to be significant differences between birds and mammals. In particular, recently identified avian leptin genes show differences between bird species in their tissue expression patterns and appear less closely linked in their expression to nutritional state. It is presently uncertain how the regulation of the central melanocortin system in birds is brought about in the situation of the apparently reduced importance of leptin and ghrelin compared to mammals.

Effects of random food deprivation and refeeding on energy metabolism, behavior and hypothalamic neuropeptide expression in Apodemus chevrieri

Maintaining adaptive control of behavior and physiology is the main strategy used by animals in responding to changes of food resources. To investigate the effects of random food deprivation (FD) and refeeding on energy metabolism and behavior in Apodemus chevrieri, we acclimated adult males to FD for 4weeks, then refed them ad libitum for 4weeks (FD-Re group). During the period of FD, animals were fed ad libitum for 4 randomly assigned days each week, and deprived of food the other 3days. A control group was fed ad libitum for 8weeks. At 4 and 8weeks we measured body mass, thermogenesis, serum leptin levels, body composition, gastrointestinal tract morphology, behavior and hypothalamic neuropeptide expression. At 4weeks, food intake, gastrointestinal mass, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) mRNA expressions increased and thermogenesis, leptin levels, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) expressions decreased in FD compared with controls. FD also showed more resting behavior and less activity than the controls on ad libitum day. There were no differences between FD-Re and controls at 8weeks, indicating significant plasticity. These results suggested that animals can compensate for unpredictable reduction in food availability by increasing food intake and reducing energy expended through thermogenesis and activity. Leptin levels, NPY, AgRP, POMC, and CART mRNA levels may also regulate energy metabolism. Significant plasticity in energy metabolism and behavior was shown by A. chevrieri over a short timescale, allowing them to adapt to food shortages in nutritionally unpredictable environments.

High cortisol response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone identifies ewes with reduced melanocortin signalling and increased propensity to obesity

We have identified female sheep that have either high (HR) or low (LR) cortisol responses to adrenocorticotrophin. On a high-energy diet, HR have greater propensity to weight gain and obesity, although the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined. Hypothalamic appetite-regulating peptides (ARP) exert reciprocal effects on food intake and energy expenditure. We aimed to quantify the expression and function of ARP in LR and HR ewes (n = 4 per group). Gene expression for neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP) pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), orexin and the melanocortin receptors (MC3R and MC4R) was measured by in situ hybridisation. Expression of NPY, AgRP and POMC was similar in HR and LR, although expression of orexin, MCH, MC3R and MC4R was higher (P < 0.05) in LR. Intracerebroventricular infusions of a low dose (50 μg/h) of NPY, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH), orexin and MCH were performed between 10.00 h and 16.00 h in meal-fed ewes (n = 6-7 per group). Skeletal muscle and retroperitoneal (RP) fat temperatures were recorded using dataloggers. Post-prandial thermogenesis in muscle was higher (P < 0.05) in LR. There was little effect of ARP infusion on muscle or fat temperature in either group. Infusion of these doses of NPY, MCH or orexin did not stimulate food intake in meal-fed ewes, although αMSH reduced (P < 0.01) food intake in LR only. Using 24-h ARP infusions with ad lib. feeding, NPY increased (P < 0.001) food intake in both groups but αMSH was only effective in LR (P < 0.05). In summary, we show that HR are resistant to the satiety effects of αMSH and this coincides with a reduced expression of both the MC3R and MC4R in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. We conclude that an increased propensity to obesity in HR female sheep is associated with reduced melanocortin signalling.

CART in the regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis

The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) has been the subject of significant interest for over a decade. Work to decipher the detailed mechanism of CART function has been hampered by the lack of specific pharmacological tools like antagonists and the absence of a specific CART receptor(s). However, extensive research has been devoted to elucidate the role of the CART peptide and it is now evident that CART is a key neurotransmitter and hormone involved in the regulation of diverse biological processes, including food intake, maintenance of body weight, reward and addiction, stress response, psychostimulant effects and endocrine functions (Rogge et al., 2008; Subhedar et al., 2014). In this review, we focus on knowledge gained on CART's role in controlling appetite and energy homeostasis, and also address certain species differences between rodents and humans.

Interface between metabolic balance and reproduction in ruminants: focus on the hypothalamus and pituitary

This article is part of a Special Issue "Energy Balance". The interface between metabolic regulators and the reproductive system is reviewed with special reference to the sheep. Even though sheep are ruminants with particular metabolic characteristics, there is a broad consensus across species in the way that the reproductive system is influenced by metabolic state. An update on the neuroendocrinology of reproduction indicates the need to account for the way that kisspeptin provides major drive to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and also mediates the feedback effects of gonadal steroids. The way that kisspeptin function is influenced by appetite regulating peptides (ARP) is considered. Another newly recognised factor is gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), which has a dual function in that it suppresses reproductive function whilst also acting as an orexigen. Our understanding of the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure has expanded exponentially in the last 3 decades and historical perspective is provided. The function of the regulatory factors and the hypothalamic cellular systems involved is reviewed with special reference to the sheep. Less is known of these systems in the cow, especially the dairy cow, in which a major fertility issue has emerged in parallel with selection for increased milk production. Other endocrine systems--the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, the growth hormone (GH) axis and the thyroid hormones--are influenced by metabolic state and are relevant to the interface between metabolic function and reproduction. Special consideration is given to issues such as season and lactation, where the relationship between metabolic hormones and reproductive function is altered.

CART in the brain of vertebrates: circuits, functions and evolution

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) with its wide distribution in the brain of mammals has been the focus of considerable research in recent years. Last two decades have witnessed a steady rise in the information on the genes that encode this neuropeptide and regulation of its transcription and translation. CART is highly enriched in the hypothalamic nuclei and its relevance to energy homeostasis and neuroendocrine control has been understood in great details. However, the occurrence of this peptide in a range of diverse circuitries for sensory, motor, vegetative, limbic and higher cortical areas has been confounding. Evidence that CART peptide may have role in addiction, pain, reward, learning and memory, cognition, sleep, reproduction and development, modulation of behavior and regulation of autonomic nervous system are accumulating, but an integration has been missing. A steady stream of papers has been pointing at the therapeutic potentials of CART. The current review is an attempt at piecing together the fragments of available information, and seeks meaning out of the CART elements in their anatomical niche. We try to put together the CART containing neuronal circuitries that have been conclusively demonstrated as well as those which have been proposed, but need confirmation. With a view to finding out the evolutionary antecedents, we visit the CART systems in sub-mammalian vertebrates and seek the answer why the system is shaped the way it is. We enquire into the conservation of the CART system and appreciate its functional diversity across the phyla.

Residual feed intake studies in Angus-sired cattle reveal a potential role for hypothalamic gene expression in regulating feed efficiency

Mechanisms underlying variation in residual feed intake (RFI), a heritable feed efficiency measure, are poorly understood while the relationship between RFI and meat quality is uncertain. To address these issues, 2 divergent cohorts consisting of High (HRFI) and Low (LRFI) RFI individuals were created by assessing RFI in 48 Angus-sired steers during a 70 d feeding trial to identify steers with divergent RFI. The association of RFI with indices of meat quality and expression of genes within hypothalamic and adipose tissue was then determined in LRFI and HRFI steers. While on test, feed intake was recorded daily with BW and hip heights recorded at 14 d intervals. Ultrasound measurements of rib eye area (REA) and backfat (BF) were recorded initially and before harvest. Carcass and growth data were analyzed using a mixed model with RFI level (LRFI, HRFI) as the independent variable. The least-square means (lsmeans) for RFI were -1.25 and 1.51 for the LRFI and HRFI cohorts (P < .0001). Dry matter intake was higher for the HRFI individuals versus the LRFI steers (P < .0001) while on test BW gain was not different between the 2 groups (P < 0.73). There were no differences detected in marbling score (P < 0.93), BF (P < 0.61), REA (P < 0.15), yield grade (P < 0.85) or objective Hunter color measures between LRFI and HRFI steers indicating that there was no relationship between RFI and meat quality. Neuropeptide-Y (NPY), relaxin-3 (RLN3), melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), and GnRH mRNA expression was 64%, 59%, 58%, 86% lower (P < 0.05), respectively, while gonadotropin inhibiting hormone (GnIH) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA expression was 198% and 350% higher (P < 0.01) in the arcuate nucleus of LRFI steers. Expression of agouti-related protein (AGRP), relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), and melanocortin 3 receptor mRNA was similar between LRFI and HRFI animals. Pituitary expression of FSHβ (P < 0.03) and LHβ (P < 0.01) was correlated to hypothalamic GnRH levels suggesting that changes in gene expression within the arcuate nucleus had functional consequences. Leptin mRNA expression was 245% higher in the adipose tissue of LRFI steers consistent with lower levels of NPY and higher expression of POMC in their hypothalami. These data support the hypothesis that differences in hypothalamic neuropeptide gene expression underlie variation in feed efficiency in steers while the gonadotropin axis may also influence feed efficiency.

Hypothalamic agouti-related protein expression is affected by both acute and chronic experience of food restriction and re-feeding in chickens

The central melanocortin system is conserved across vertebrates. However, in birds, little is known about how energy balance influences orexigenic agouti-related protein (AGRP) and anorexigenic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) expression, despite the fact that commercial food restriction is critical to the efficient production of poultry meat. To enable contrasts to be made, in broiler-breeder chickens, between levels of food restriction, between birds with the same body weight but different feeding experience, and between birds moved from restricted feeding to ad lib. feeding for different periods, five groups of hens were established between 6 and 12 weeks of age with different combinations of food restriction and release from restriction. AGRP and neuropeptide Y expression in the basal hypothalamus was significantly increased by chronic restriction but only AGRP mRNA levels reflected recent feeding experience: hens at the same body weight that had recently been on ad lib. feeding showed lower expression than restricted birds. AGRP expression also distinguished between hens released from restriction to ad lib. feeding for different periods. By contrast, POMC and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript mRNA levels were not different. These results showed that AGRP mRNA not only reflected differences between a bird's weight and its potential weight or set point, but also discriminated between differing feeding histories of birds at the same body weight. Therefore, AGRP expression potentially provides an integrated measure of food intake experience and an objective tool to assess a bird's perception of satiety in feeding regimes for improved poultry welfare.

Selected hormonal and neurotransmitter mechanisms regulating feed intake in sheep

Appetite control is a major issue in normal growth and in suboptimal growth performance settings. A number of hormones, in particular leptin, activate or inhibit orexigenic or anorexigenic neurotransmitters within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, where feed intake regulation is integrated. Examples of appetite regulatory neurotransmitters are the stimulatory neurotransmitters neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AgRP), orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone and the inhibitory neurotransmitter, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). Examination of messenger RNA (using in situ hybridization and real-time PCR) and proteins (using immunohistochemistry) for these neurotransmitters in ruminants has indicated that physiological regulation occurs in response to fasting for several of these critical genes and proteins, especially AgRP and NPY. Moreover, intracerebroventricular injection of each of the four stimulatory neurotransmitters can increase feed intake in sheep and may also regulate either growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol or other hormones. In contrast, both leptin and MSH are inhibitory to feed intake in ruminants. Interestingly, the natural melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) antagonist, AgRP, as well as NPY can prevent the inhibition of feed intake after injection of endotoxin (to model disease suppression of appetite). Thus, knowledge of the mechanisms regulating feed intake in the hypothalamus may lead to mechanisms to increase feed intake in normal growing animals and prevent the wasting effects of severe disease in animals.

Molecular characterization of CART, AgRP, and MC4R genes and their expression with fasting and re-feeding in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), agouti-related proteins (AgRP) and Melanocortin 4 Receptor (MC4R) involves in the control of appetite. The genes were cloned and characterized, and their regulation was studied in common carp. The CARTI and CARTII genes encode 117- and 120-amino acids, respectively. The AgRP-1 and AgRP-2 genes encode 128- and 136-amino acids, respectively. CARTI was principally expressed in the brain, eye and ovary, while CARTII was highly expressed in the brain. AgRP-1 was strongly expressed in the brain, intestine, testis and eye, while AgRP-2 was highly expressed only in the gill and eye. The MC4R gene, encoding 326-amino acids, was mainly expressed in the brain testis, pituitary and eye. Phylogenetic analysis had been conducted which implied that both CARTI/CARTII and AgRP-1/AgRP-2 might derived from gene duplication events during genome evolution of common carp. CART, AgRP and MC4R gene expression in brain were decreased after fasting treatment and increased sharply after refeeding comparing with normal fed controls, which suggested that CART, AgRP and MC4R are involved in appetite regulation in common carp.

Triennial Growth Symposium: neural regulation of feed intake: modification by hormones, fasting, and disease

Appetite is a complex process that results from the integration of multiple signals at the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus receives neural signals; hormonal signals such as leptin, cholecystokinin, and ghrelin; and nutrient signals such as glucose, FFA, AA, and VFA. This effect is processed by a specific sequence of neurotransmitters beginning with the arcuate nucleus and orexigenic cells containing neuropeptide Y or agouti-related protein and anorexigenic cells containing proopiomelanocortin (yielding the neurotransmitter α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) or cells expressing cocaine amphetamine-related transcript. These so-called first-order neurons act on second-order orexigenic neurons (containing either melanin-concentrating hormone or orexin) or act on anorexigenic neurons (e.g., expressing corticotropin-releasing hormone) to alter feed intake. In addition, satiety signals from the liver and gastrointestinal tract signal through the vagus nerve to the nucleus tractus solitarius to cause meal termination, and in combination with the hypothalamus, integrate the various signals to determine the feeding response. The activities of these neuronal pathways are also influenced by numerous factors such as nutrients, fasting, and disease to modify appetite and hence affect growth and reproduction. This review will begin with the central nervous system pathways and then discuss the ways in which hormones and metabolites may alter the process to affect feed intake with emphasis on farm animals.

The melanocortin-4 receptor: physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) was cloned in 1993 by degenerate PCR; however, its function was unknown. Subsequent studies suggest that the MC4R might be involved in regulating energy homeostasis. This hypothesis was confirmed in 1997 by a series of seminal studies in mice. In 1998, human genetic studies demonstrated that mutations in the MC4R gene can cause monogenic obesity. We now know that mutations in the MC4R are the most common monogenic form of obesity, with more than 150 distinct mutations reported thus far. This review will summarize the studies on the MC4R, from its cloning and tissue distribution to its physiological roles in regulating energy homeostasis, cachexia, cardiovascular function, glucose and lipid homeostasis, reproduction and sexual function, drug abuse, pain perception, brain inflammation, and anxiety. I will then review the studies on the pharmacology of the receptor, including ligand binding and receptor activation, signaling pathways, as well as its regulation. Finally, the pathophysiology of the MC4R in obesity pathogenesis will be reviewed. Functional studies of the mutant MC4Rs and the therapeutic implications, including small molecules in correcting binding and signaling defect, and their potential as pharmacological chaperones in rescuing intracellularly retained mutants, will be highlighted.

Kisspeptin cells in the ewe brain respond to leptin and communicate with neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin cells

Kisspeptin stimulates reproduction, and kisspeptin cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) express Ob-Rb in the mouse. Herein we report studies in ewes to determine whether kisspeptin cells express Ob-Rb and respond to leptin and whether reciprocal connections exist between kisspeptin cells and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) or neuropeptide Y (NPY) cells to modulate reproduction and metabolic function. Kiss1 mRNA was measured by in situ hybridization in ovariectomized ewes that were normal body weight, lean, or lean with leptin treatment by intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion (4 microg/h, 3 d). Kiss1 expression in the ARC and the preoptic area was lower in hypogonadotropic lean animals than animals of normal weight, and icv infusion of leptin partially restored Kiss1 expression in lean animals. Single-cell laser capture microdissection coupled with real-time PCR showed that Kiss1 cells in the preoptic area and ARC express Ob-Rb. Double-label fluorescent immunohistochemistry showed that reciprocal connections exist between kisspeptin cells and NPY and POMC cells. Accordingly, we treated ovariectomized ewes with kisspeptin (5 microg/h, icv) or vehicle for 20 h and examined POMC and NPY gene expression by in situ hybridization. Kisspeptin treatment reduced POMC and increased NPY gene expression. Thus, kisspeptin neurons respond to leptin and expression of Kiss1 mRNA is affected by leptin status. Kisspeptin cells communicate with NPY and POMC cells, altering expression of the relevant genes in the target cells; reciprocal connections also exist. This network between the three cell types could coordinate brain control of reproduction and metabolic homeostatic systems.

Melanocortins mimic the effects of leptin to restore reproductive function in lean hypogonadotropic ewes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Leptin restores gonadotropic function in lean hypogonadotropic animals by an unknown mechanism. We aimed to test the hypothesis that restoration of gonadotropic function is a result of an upregulation of central acetylated melanocortin production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Lean ovariectomised (OVX) ewes received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusions of leptin (or vehicle) for 3 days, which upregulated proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA and restored pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. A melanocortin agonist (MTII), but not naloxone treatment, reinstated pulsatile LH secretion in lean OVX ewes. We treated (i.c.v.) lean OVX ewes with leptin (or vehicle) and measured peptide levels and post-translational modification in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Levels of beta-endorphin (beta-END) were lower in lean animals, with no effect of leptin treatment. Desacetyl-alpha-MSH was the predominant form of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in the ARC and levels were similar in all groups. In another group of lean and normal-weight OVX ewes, we measured the different forms of alpha-MSH in ARC, hypothalamus (ARC-removed) and the preoptic area (POA). Acetylated alpha-MSH levels were lower in lean animals in the terminal beds of the hypothalamus and POA but not the ARC.

CONCLUSIONS

Leptin corrects the hypogonadotropic state in the lean condition by upregulation of POMC gene expression, and may increase transport and acetylation of melanocortins to target cells in the brain. Melanocortin treatment restores LH secretion in lean animals.

Melanocortins may stimulate reproduction by activating orexin neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus and kisspeptin neurons in the preoptic area of the ewe

To further test the hypothesis that melanocortins stimulate the reproductive axis, we treated ewes with melanocortin agonist (MTII) in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle and during seasonal anestrus. Lateral ventricular infusion of MTII (10 microg/h) during the luteal phase increased LH secretion. Retrograde neuronal tracing in the brain showed few proopiomelanocortin or kisspeptin cells in the arcuate nucleus, but more than 70% of kisspeptin cells in the dorsolateral preoptic area (POA), projecting to the ventromedial POA in which GnRH cells are located. MTII infusion (20 h) was repeated in luteal phase ewes and brains were harvested to measure gene expression of preproorexin and kisspeptin. Expression of orexin in the dorsomedial hypothalamus and kisspeptin in the POA was up-regulated by MTII treatment and Kiss1 in the arcuate nucleus was down-regulated. Seasonally anestrous ewes were progesterone primed and then treated (lateral ventricular) with MTII (10 microg/h) or vehicle for 30 h, and blood samples were collected every 2 h from 4 h before infusion until 6 h afterward to monitor acute response in terms of LH levels. A rise in basal LH levels was seen, but samples collected around the time of the predicted LH surge did not indicate that an ovulatory event occurred. We conclude that melanocortins are positive regulators of the reproductive neuroendocrine system, but treatment with melanocortins does not fully overcome seasonal acyclicity. The stimulatory effect of melanocortin in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle may be via the activation of kisspeptin cells in the POA and/or orexin cells in the dorsomedial hypothalamus.

Responses of the hypothalamopituitary adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal system to isolation/restraint stress in sheep of different adiposity

There is evidence that levels of adipose tissue can influence responses of the hypothalamopituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress in humans and rats but this has not been explored in sheep. Also, little is known about the sympathoadrenal responses to stress in individuals with relatively different levels of adipose tissue. We tested the hypothesis that the stress-induced activation of the HPA axis and sympathoadrenal system is lower in ovariectomized ewes with low levels of body fat (lean) than ovariectomized ewes with high levels of body fat (fat). Ewes underwent dietary manipulation for 3 months to yield a group of lean ewes (n = 7) with a mean (+/-SEM) live weight of 39.1 +/- 0.9 kg and body fat of 8.9 +/- 0.6% and fat ewes (n = 7) with a mean (+/-SEM) live weight of 69.0 +/- 1.8 kg and body fat of 31.7 +/- 3.4%. Fat ewes also had higher circulating concentrations of leptin than lean ewes. Blood samples were collected every 15 min over 8 h when no stress was imposed (control day) and on a separate day when 4 h of isolation/restraint was imposed after 4 h of pretreatment sampling (stress day). Plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine did not change significantly over the control day and did not differ between lean and fat ewes. Stress did not affect plasma leptin levels. All stress hormones increased significantly during isolation/restraint stress. The ACTH, cortisol and epinephrine responses were greater in fat ewes than lean ewes but norepinephrine responses were similar. Our results suggest that relative levels of adipose tissue influence the stress-induced activity of the hypothalamopituitary-adrenal axis and some aspects of the sympathoadrenal system with fat animals having higher responses than lean animals.

Mammalian comparative sequence analysis of the Agrp locus

Agouti-related protein encodes a neuropeptide that stimulates food intake. Agrp expression in the brain is restricted to neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and is elevated by states of negative energy balance. The molecular mechanisms underlying Agrp regulation, however, remain poorly defined. Using a combination of transgenic and comparative sequence analysis, we have previously identified a 760 bp conserved region upstream of Agrp which contains STAT binding elements that participate in Agrp transcriptional regulation. In this study, we attempt to improve the specificity for detecting conserved elements in this region by comparing genomic sequences from 10 mammalian species. Our analysis reveals a symmetrical organization of conserved sequences upstream of Agrp, which cluster into two inverted repeat elements. Conserved sequences within these elements suggest a role for homeodomain proteins in the regulation of Agrp and provide additional targets for functional evaluation.

Peripheral tissue-brain interactions in the regulation of food intake

More than 70 years ago the glucostatic, lipostatic and aminostatic hypotheses proposed that the central nervous system sensed circulating levels of different metabolites, changing feeding behaviour in response to the levels of those molecules. In the last 20 years the rapid increase in obesity and associated pathologies in developed countries has involved a substantial increase in the knowledge of the physiological and molecular mechanism regulating body mass. This effort has resulted in the recent discovery of new peripheral signals, such as leptin and ghrelin, as well as new neuropeptides, such as orexins, involved in body-weight homeostasis. The present review summarises research into energy balance, starting from the original classical hypotheses proposing metabolite sensing, through peripheral tissue-brain interactions and coming full circle to the recently-discovered role of hypothalamic fatty acid synthase in feeding regulation. Understanding these molecular mechanisms will provide new pharmacological targets for the treatment of obesity and appetite disorders.

Effect of starvation on Fos and neuropeptide immunoreactivities in the brain and pituitary gland of Xenopus laevis

In mammals complex interactions between various brain structures and neuropeptides such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin 1 (Ucn1) underlay the control of feeding by the brain. Recently, in the amphibian Xenopus laevis, CRF- and Ucn1-immunoreactivities were shown in the hypothalamic magnocellular nucleus (Mg) and evidence was obtained for their involvement in food intake. To gain a better understanding of the brain structures controlling feeding in X. laevis, the effects of 16 weeks starvation on neurones immunoreactive (ir) to Fos and neuropeptides in various brain structures were quantified. In the Mg, compared to controls, starved animals showed fewer neurones immunopositive for Fos (-55.9%), Ucn1 (-44.0%), cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) (-94.3%) and metenkephalin (ENK) (-65.0%), whereas CRF-ir neurones were 2.1 times more numerous. These differences were mainly apparent in the ventral part of the Mg, followed by the medial and dorsal part of the nucleus. In the neural lobe of the pituitary gland a 22.5% lower optical density of CART-ir was observed. In the four other brain structures investigated, starvation had different effects. The dorsomedial part of the suprachiasmatic nucleus showed 5.9 times more NPY-ir cells and in the ventromedial thalamic area a lower number of NPY-ir cells (-33.6%) was found, whereas the Edinger-Westphal nucleus contained fewer CART-ir cells (-42.2%); no effect of starvation was seen in the ventral hypothalamic nucleus. Our results support the hypothesis that in X. laevis, the Mg plays a pivotal role in feeding-related processes and, moreover, that starvation also has neuropeptide- and brain structure-specific effects in other parts of the brain and in the pituitary gland, suggesting particular roles of these structures and their neuropeptides in physiological adaptation to starvation.

Reduction in adiposity affects the extent of afferent projections to growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin neurons and the degree of colocalization of neuropeptides in growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin cells of the ovine hypothalamus

Various neuropeptides and neurotransmitters affect GH secretion by acting on GHRH and somatostatin (SRIF) cells. GH secretion is also affected by alteration in adiposity, which could be via modulation of GHRH and SRIF cells. We quantified colocalization of neuropeptides in GHRH and SRIF cells and afferent projections to these cells in lean (food restricted) and normally fed sheep (n=4/group). The number of GHRH-immunoreactive (IR) cells in the arcuate nucleus was higher in lean animals, but the number of SRIF-IR cells in the periventricular nucleus was similar in the two groups. A subpopulation of GHRH-IR cells colocalized neuropeptide Y in lean animals, but this was not seen in normally fed animals. GHRH/galanin (GAL) colocalization was higher in lean animals with no difference in numbers of GHRH/tyrosine hydroxylase or GHRH/GAL-like peptide cells. SRIF/enkephalin colocalization was lower in lean animals. The percentage of GHRH neurons receiving SRIF input was similar in lean and normally fed animals, but more GHRH cells received input from enkephalin afferents in normally fed animals. The percentage of SRIF cells receiving GHRH, neuropeptide Y, GAL, and orexin afferents was higher in lean animals. These findings provide an anatomical evidence of central mechanism(s) by which appetite-regulating peptides and dopamine could regulate GH secretion. Increased input to SRIF cells in lean animals may be inhibitory and permissive of increased GH. The appearance of NPY in GHRH cells of lean animals may be a mechanism for regulation of increasing GH secretion with reduced adiposity.

Activation of melanocortin receptors accelerates the gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator activity in goats

The present study aims to elucidate whether the central melanocortin receptors [melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3/4-R)] are involved in regulating GnRH pulse generator activity in female goats. The GnRH pulse generator activity was electrophysiologically assessed at the intervals of characteristic increases in multiple-unit activity (MUA volleys) in the mediobasal hypothalamus. In ovariectomized goats, all doses (0.02, 0.2 and 2 nmol) of MT II, an MC3/4-R agonist, injected into the lateral ventricle significantly shortened MUA volley intervals. The duration of the period during which MT II accelerated MUA volleys was positively correlated with the dose of MT II injected. The stimulatory effect of MT II on the GnRH pulse generator activity was attenuated in the presence of estrogen. Intracerebroventricular injection of SHU9119, an MC3/4-R antagonist, significantly prolonged MUA volley intervals at 1 nmol. MT II (0.2 nmol)-induced acceleration of MUA volleys was partially blocked by the antagonism of MC3/4-R with pre-administered SHU9119 (1 nmol). The present findings demonstrate that MC3/4-R are involved in maintaining GnRH pulse generator activity in goats.

Melanocortin-4 receptor in sheep: a potential site for therapeutic intervention in disease models

Reduced appetite combined with increased metabolic rate and decreased lean body mass is a major consequence of disease and other stressors. Studies in rodent species suggest that an understanding of appetite regulation may provide methodologies for intervention to prevent the deterioration of body mass such as observed with cancer or infectious diseases. For example, melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R) antagonists have shown a remarkable ability to reverse or prevent cachexia in rodents with sarcoma or treated with endotoxin. Studies in sheep have indicated that a number of peptide neurotransmitters may have a role in regulating appetite in this species. For example, agouti related protein mRNA and protein levels are dramatically altered with fasting in sheep. Moreover, agouti related protein, neuropeptide Y, melanin concentrating hormone and orexin are potent stimuli to increase feed intake in sheep. Recent studies have indicated that one of these neurotransmitters, NPY, can work in principal to improve appetite in endotoxin-treated sheep. Current studies are examining the role that MC4-R antagonists may have in the prevention or correction of body mass wasting diseases as well as practical applications in animal production.

Noradrenergic regulation of hypothalamic cells that produce growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin and the effect of altered adiposity in sheep

The growth hormone (GH) axis is sensitive to alteration in body weight and there is evidence that central noradrenergic systems regulate neurones that produce growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SRIF). This study reports semiquantitative estimates of the noradrenergic input to neuroendocrine GHRH and SRIF neurones in the sheep of different body weights. We also studied the effects of altered body weight on expression of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), the enzyme that produces noradrenalin from dopamine. Ovariectomised ewes were made Lean (39.6 +/- 2.6 kg; Mean +/- SEM) by dietary restriction, whereas Normally Fed animals (61.2 +/- 0.8 kg) were maintained on a regular diet. Brains were perfused for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. The Mean +/- SEM number of GHRH-immunoreactive (-IR) cells was lower in Normally Fed (65 +/- 7) than in Lean (115 +/- 14) animals, whereas the number of SRIF-IR cells was similar in the two groups (Normally Fed, 196 +/- 17; Lean 230 +/- 21). Confocal microscopic analysis revealed that the percentage of GHRH-IR cells (Normally Fed 36 +/- 1.5% versus Lean 32 +/- 4.6%) and percentage of SRIF-IR cells (Normally Fed 30 +/- 40.4% versus Lean 32 +/- 2.3%) contacted by noradrenergic fibres did not change with body weight. FluoroGold retrograde tracer injections confirmed that noradrenergic projections to the arcuate nucleus are from ventrolateral medulla and noradrenergic projections to periventricular nucleus arise from the ventrolateral medulla, nucleus of solitary tract, locus coeruleus (LC) and the parabrachial nucleus (PBN). DBH expressing cells were identified using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation and the level of expression (silver grains/cell) quantified by image analysis. The number of DBH cells was similar in Normally Fed and Lean animals, but the level of expression/cell was lower (P < 0.02) in the PBN and LC of Lean animals. These results provide an anatomical basis for the noradrenergic regulation of GHRH and SRIF cells and GH secretion. Altered activity or noradrenergic neurones in the PBN and LC that occur with reduced body weight may be relevant to the control of GH axis.

Energy balance and reproduction

The physiological mechanisms that control energy balance are reciprocally linked to those that control reproduction, and together, these mechanisms optimize reproductive success under fluctuating metabolic conditions. Thus, it is difficult to understand the physiology of energy balance without understanding its link to reproductive success. The metabolic sensory stimuli, hormonal mediators and modulators, and central neuropeptides that control reproduction also influence energy balance. In general, those that increase ingestive behavior inhibit reproductive processes, with a few exceptions. Reproductive processes, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) system and the mechanisms that control sex behavior are most proximally sensitive to the availability of oxidizable metabolic fuels. The role of hormones, such as insulin and leptin, are not understood, but there are two possible ways they might control food intake and reproduction. They either mediate the effects of energy metabolism on reproduction or they modulate the availability of metabolic fuels in the brain or periphery. This review examines the neural pathways from fuel detectors to the central effector system emphasizing the following points: first, metabolic stimuli can directly influence the effector systems independently from the hormones that bind to these central effector systems. For example, in some cases, excess energy storage in adipose tissue causes deficits in the pool of oxidizable fuels available for the reproductive system. Thus, in such cases, reproduction is inhibited despite a high body fat content and high plasma concentrations of hormones that are thought to stimulate reproductive processes. The deficit in fuels creates a primary sensory stimulus that is inhibitory to the reproductive system, despite high concentrations of hormones, such as insulin and leptin. Second, hormones might influence the central effector systems [including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and sex behavior] indirectly by modulating the metabolic stimulus. Third, the critical neural circuitry involves extrahypothalamic sites, such as the caudal brain stem, and projections from the brain stem to the forebrain. Catecholamines, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) are probably involved. Fourth, the metabolic stimuli and chemical messengers affect the motivation to engage in ingestive and sex behaviors instead of, or in addition to, affecting the ability to perform these behaviors. Finally, it is important to study these metabolic events and chemical messengers in a wider variety of species under natural or seminatural circumstances.

The premammillary hypothalamic area of the ewe: anatomical characterization of a melatonin target area mediating seasonal reproduction

Recent evidence suggests that the ovine premammillary hypothalamic area (PMH) is an important target for the pineal hormone, melatonin, and its role in seasonal reproduction. In rodents, the PMH is a complex region consisting of several cell groups with differing neurochemical content and anatomical connections. Therefore, to obtain a better understanding of the potential neural targets for melatonin in this area of the sheep brain, we have undertaken a detailed anatomical characterization of the PMH, including its nuclear divisions and the location of neuropeptide/neurotransmitter cells within them. By combining immunocytochemistry for NeuN, a neuronal marker, with Nissl staining in anestrous, ovariectomized, estradiol-treated ewes, we identified three nuclei within the PMH: a caudal continuation of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (cARC), the ventral division of the premammillary nucleus (PMv), and the ventral tuberomammillary nucleus (TMv). The cARC contained neurons that were immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase, dynorphin, estrogen receptor alpha, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The PMv was also characterized by the presence of cells that contained NOS and CART, although the size of these cells was larger than that of their corresponding phenotype in the cARC. By contrast, in the TMv, of the markers examined in the present study, only fibers immunoreactive for orexin were seen. Thus, the ovine PMH is a heterogeneous region comprised of three subdivisions, each with distinct morphological and neurochemical characteristics. This anatomical map of the PMH provides a basis for future studies to determine the functional contribution of each component to the influence of melatonin on seasonal reproduction.

A role for agouti-related protein in appetite regulation in a species with continuous nutrient delivery

Knowledge of specific neurotransmitters as well as the pathways and mechanisms regulating appetite in ruminants that continually graze, such as sheep, is incomplete. Although fundamentally agouti-related protein (AGRP) has a similar function across species to increase food intake, the regulation of AGRP may vary across grazing and intermittent feeders. To investigate the role of orexigenic peptides in the regulation of feed intake, we first extracted messenger RNA from sheep that were fasted for 3 days, which was then used for PCR followed by cloning and sequencing to demonstrate the presence of hypothalamic AGRP expression. Ovine AGRP was closely related to the bovine, but contained sequence differences with human and mouse AGRP. Analysis of genomic DNA also revealed a similar gene structure to other published species. Secondly, using dual-labeled immunohistochemistry, we determined that there was both increased AGRP immunoreactivity and increased abundance of c-Fos immunoreactivity in AGRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus of fasted sheep. Because AGRP neurons are activated by fasting, we hypothesized that AGRP would stimulate feeding in this ruminant species. Sheep fed ad libitum were injected intracerebroventricularly with concentrations of AGRP at 0.2 and 2.0 nmol/kg. AGRP at 2.0 nmol/kg significantly increased food intake at 4, 6 and 12 h (p < 0.05). A 4th study was done to investigate the interactions of AGRP and neuropeptide Y (NPY) on food intake over a 24-hour period. Intracerebroventricular injections of either AGRP or NPY significantly increased cumulative food intake over saline controls. When AGRP and NPY were injected in combination, food intake was increased over saline controls; however, AGRP did not potentiate the effects of NPY. These results demonstrate that AGRP stimulates food intake in sheep and highlights the important differences between this species and rodent models.

The central melanocortin system regulates food intake in goldfish

Posttranscriptional processing of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) yields melanocortin peptides, which are involved in the regulation of energy balance in mammals. The sequence preservation of the main brain melanocortin, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), suggests a conserved function throughout vertebrate evolution. We studied the involvement of the central melanocortin system in the control of food intake in the goldfish. In situ hybridization studies done following molecular cloning of POMC mRNA demonstrated positive POMC mRNA cell bodies exclusively expressed within the mediobasal hypothalamus, in the anterior, posterior and inferior part of the lateral tuberal nucleus and the medial region of the lateral recess nucleus. POMC expression is localized in brain areas appropriate for involvement in food intake and neuroendocrine regulation. Progressive fasting did not affect POMC mRNA expression levels. Intracerebroventricular administration of [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]-alpha-MSH (NDP-alpha-MSH), a universal melanocortin agonist, within nanomolar range, dose-dependently inhibited food intake 2 h after treatment. The results show for the first time a functional melanocortin system in fishes that participates in central regulation of food intake. The conserved central expression pattern of POMC mRNA and role of MSH peptides in physiological regulation of food intake suggests that melanocortin functions were gained early in vertebrate evolution.

Long-term alteration in bodyweight and food restriction does not affect the gene expression of either preproorexin or prodynorphin in the sheep

Various hypothalamic neuropeptides are involved in central regulation of food intake and expression of genes encoding these peptides changes with alterations in the bodyweight/metabolic status/nutritional status. Orexin(s) and dynorphin have been implicated in the regulation of appetite and neuroendocrine systems, but the function of these peptides is not well understood. We have employed in situ hybridization to examine the effects of long-term alterations in the bodyweight on expression of mRNA for preproorexin and prodynorphin in the putative feeding centers of the ovine hypothalamus. Expression of preproorexin was localized to the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, perifornical area and lateral hypothalamic area. Cells expressing prodynorphin were localized to the periventricular, supraoptic, paraventricular, ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei and the thalamus. Small numbers of single scattered cells were seen in other brain areas. A few scattered prodynorphin-expressing cells were found in the lateral hypothalamic area but, in contrast to observations in the rat, there was no colocalization with preproorexin. Long-term alterations in the bodyweight did not influence the level of expression of preproorexin or prodynorphin. These findings suggest that orexin and dynorphin may not play a direct role in appetite regulation in sheep, although regulation at the level of the receptors for these peptides remains a possibility.

Links between the appetite regulating systems and the neuroendocrine hypothalamus: lessons from the sheep

The hypothalamus is integral to the regulation of energy homeostasis and the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. Consequently, hypothalamic systems may have a dual purpose in regulating both neuroendocrine function and appetite. To date, most studies investigating the interface between appetite and hormone secretion have been performed in rats or mice that have been acutely fasted or baring a genetic abnormality causing either obesity or aphagia. By contrast, various physiological models, including chronic food-restriction or photoperiodically driven changes in voluntary food intake, add further perspective to the issue. In this regard, sheep provide an innovative model whereby long-term changes in body weight or extended feeding rhythms can be investigated. This review compares and contrasts data obtained in different species with regard to the neuroendocrinology of appetite, and discusses the benefits and knowledge gained from using various nonrodent models with a particular emphasis on a ruminant species.

Photoperiod effects on gene expression for hypothalamic appetite-regulating peptides and food intake in the ram

Relationship between voluntary food intake (VFI) and gene expression for appetite-regulating peptides was examined in the brains of Soay rams under contrasting photoperiods. Two groups (n = 8) were subjected to alternating block long-day (LD) and short-day photoperiods (SD) over a period of 42 wk to entrain long-term cycles in VFI. Five animals from each group were killed 18 wk into LD or SD, and the brains were collected for in situ hybridization studies. VFI was fourfold higher under LD compared with SD. Body weight, abdominal fat, or plasma leptin levels were similar under LD and SD. LD animals were in positive energy balance and sexually inactive, and SD animals were in negative energy balance and sexually active. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA levels were higher in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) under LD, and pro-opiomelanocortin expression was lower under LD. Leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) was higher in the ARC under LD. We conclude that photoperiod-induced increase in VFI correlates with expression of NPY, but not with expression of genes for other putative orexigenic peptides. Ob-Rb gene expression is regulated by photoperiod.

Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript mRNA regulation in the hypothalamus in lean and obese rodents

Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) mRNA and immunoreactivity are expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus. Central administration of various fragments of this neuropeptide decreases food intake in rodents. To find out whether CART might play a role in the physiological regulation of energy balance, we used in situ hybridization to investigate whether CART mRNA abundance changed in two chronic obese/fat versus lean states and after acute dietary restriction. In the first study, mice were treated with goldthioglucose to destroy glucose-responsive neurones in the ventromedial hypothalamus. This produced hyperphagia and obesity: 7 weeks after treatment, those receiving goldthioglucose weighed 70% more than the controls. CART mRNA abundance in the arcuate nucleus of goldthioglucose-treated mice was decreased by 71% compared to levels in the control mice, but CART expression was unaffected in the dorsolateral hypothalamus. In the second study, male Siberian hamsters were exposed to short days to induce a physiological winter response in which body weight decreases as fat reserves are catabolized, and food intake correspondingly declines. After 8 weeks in short days, body weight had declined by 18% relative to controls maintained in long days in a summer fat state. CART mRNA levels did not differ significantly between the two groups in any hypothalamic areas. In the third study, male Siberian hamsters, either in long days or after 12 weeks exposure to short days to induce weight loss, were subject to a 48-h period of fasting. Although photoperiod per se did not affect CART expression, fasting produced a significant decrease in CART mRNA in the arcuate nucleus of hamsters in both the long- and short-day state. We conclude that CART-producing cells are involved in energy homeostasis: the marked decrease in CART expression in the arcuate nucleus in goldthioglucose-lesioned mice may contribute to the development of obesity, and the decrease following acute dietary restriction in hamsters may reflect a compensatory mechanism to reduce caloric expenditure, but our results do not indicate that CART is involved in long-term seasonal regulation of body weight.