DNA Methylation in the Hypothalamic Feeding Center and Obesity

Obesity rates have been increasing worldwide for decades, mainly due to environmental factors, such as diet, nutrition, and exercise. However, the molecular mechanisms through which environmental factors induce obesity remain unclear. Several mechanisms underlie the body's response to environmental factors, and one of the main mechanisms involves epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation. The pattern of DNA methylation is influenced by environmental factors, and altered DNA methylation patterns can affect gene expression profiles and phenotypes. DNA methylation may mediate the development of obesity caused by environmental factors. Similar to the factors governing obesity, DNA methylation is influenced by nutrients and metabolites. Notably, DNA methylation is associated with body size and weight programming. The DNA methylation levels of proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) and neuropeptide Y (Npy) in the hypothalamic feeding center, a key region controlling systemic energy balance, are affected by diet. Conditional knockout mouse studies of epigenetic enzymes have shown that DNA methylation in the hypothalamic feeding center plays an indispensable role in energy homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the role of DNA methylation in the hypothalamic feeding center as a potential mechanism underlying the development of obesity induced by environmental factors.

ODP297 Analysis of the responsible region of TRH in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis using the Paraventricular nucleus-specific TRH deficient mice

Objectives

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was the first hypothalamic hormone isolated that stimulates pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion. TRH was later found to be distributed throughout the brain, gastrointestinal tract and pancreaticβ-cells. We previously reported the TRH null mice (conventional TRHKO) which exhibit characteristic tertiary hypothyroidism, however the responsible regionfor the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis remained obscure because of the broad expression of TRH in hypothalamus. Previous studies suggested that TRH in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was secreted through the median eminence (ME), however it was not directly demonstrated . To determine the region functionally responsible for the HPT axis, we established and analyzed PVN-specific TRH knock-out (PVN-TRHKO) mice.

Methods

For the targeting vector, a Neo-loxP cassette was inserted into the 3′-UTR of the Trh gene in ES cells. Another loxP site was placed at intron 1. After we obtained the Trh +/lox [neo+] founder mice, we crossed them with the CAG-FLPe transgenic mice to remove the Neo cassette. The offspring were backcrossed to wild-type mice, producing conditional knock-out mice without the Neo cassette, which were labeled as Trh +/lox . We crossed Trh +/lox with transgenic mice expressing Single-minded homolog (Sim)1-Cre recombinase and created PVN-TRHKO mice (Sim1-Cre; Trh lox/lox mice). We confirmed that most Sim1 was expressed in the PVN using Sim1-Cre/tdTomato mice. We performed the following experiments using PVN-TRHKO andTrh lox/lox mice as control (Ct). 1) immunostaining of TRH using antibody forproTRH in cerebrum, 2)qPCR analysis detecting the expression of preproTrh mRNA in hypothalamic PVN, 3) measurement of the level of serum free-T4 and TSH, 4)qPCR analysis detecting theexpression levels of Tshβ, Prl, Cga, Gh, Pomc and Lhβ gene mRNAin the anterior pituitary and 5)immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies for TSHβ and Prolactin in anterior pituitary.

Results

In the PVN-TRHKO mice, 1) ProTRH-immunopositive cells were lost in the area of PVN and ME, whereas proTRH detected in the medial preoptic area(MPA) and medial preoptic nucleus (MPO) in the hypothalamus.2)The expression level of proTRHmRNA was decreased to7.7% compared with Ct.3) Free-T4 levels decreased to 50% and the TSH levels increased to 170% of those in Ct. 4) TshβmRNA levels were decreased by 65% and thePrlmRNA levels were reduced to 55% of those in Ct. 5) The number of TSH-positive andProlactin-positive cells in the pituitary significantly decreased to 50% and 60% of those in Ct.

Conclusions

PVN-TRHKO mice exhibited tertiary hypothyroidism similar to conventional TRHKO. The pathway of TRH neuron from PVN to ME was lost in the PVN-TRHKO mice. These findings are conclusive evidence that the TRH neuron in the PVN is the center of the HPT axis.

Presentation: No date and time listed

The Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Is the Center of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis for Regulating Thyroid Hormone Levels

Background: Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was the first hypothalamic hormone isolated that stimulates pituitary thyrotropin (TSH) secretion. TRH was also later found to be a stimulator of pituitary prolactin and distributed throughout the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreatic β cells. We previously reported the development of TRH null mice (conventional TRHKO), which exhibit characteristic tertiary hypothyroidism and impaired glucose tolerance due to insufficient insulin secretion. Although in the past five decades many investigators, us included, have attempted to determine the hypothalamic nucleus responsible for the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, it remained obscure because of the broad expression of TRH. Methods: To determine the hypothalamic region functionally responsible for the HPT axis, we established paraventricular nucleus (PVN)-specific TRH knockout (PVN-TRHKO) mice by mating Trh floxed mice and single-minded homolog 1 (Sim1)-Cre transgenic mice. We originally confirmed that most Sim1 was expressed in the PVN using Sim1-Cre/tdTomato mice. Results: These PVN-TRHKO mice exhibited tertiary hypothyroidism similar to conventional TRHKO mice; however, they did not show the impaired glucose tolerance observed in the latter, suggesting that TRH from non-PVN sources is essential for glucose regulation. In addition, a severe reduction in prolactin expression was observed in the pituitary of PVN-TRHKO mice compared with that in TRHKO mice. Conclusions: These findings are conclusive evidence that the PVN is the center of the HPT axis for regulation of serum levels of thyroid hormones and that the serum TSH levels are not decreased in tertiary hypothyroidism. We also noted that TRH from the PVN regulated prolactin, whereas TRH from non-PVN sources regulated glucose metabolism.

Disordered branched chain amino acid catabolism in pancreatic islets is associated with postprandial hypersecretion of glucagon in diabetic mice

Dysregulation of glucagon is associated with the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. We previously reported that postprandial hyperglucagonemia is more obvious than fasting hyperglucagonemia in type 2 diabetes patients. However, which nutrient stimulates glucagon secretion in the diabetic state and the underlying mechanism after nutrient intake are unclear. To answer these questions, we measured plasma glucagon levels in diabetic mice after oral administration of various nutrients. The effects of nutrients on glucagon secretion were assessed using islets isolated from diabetic mice and palmitate-treated islets. In addition, we analyzed the expression levels of branched chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism-related enzymes and their metabolites in diabetic islets. We found that protein, but not carbohydrate or lipid, increased plasma glucagon levels in diabetic mice. Among amino acids, BCAAs, but not the other essential or nonessential amino acids, increased plasma glucagon levels. BCAAs also directly increased the intracellular calcium concentration in α cells. When BCAAs transport was suppressed by an inhibitor of system L-amino acid transporters, glucagon secretion was reduced even in the presence of BCAAs. We also found that the expression levels of BCAA catabolism-related enzymes and their metabolite contents were altered in diabetic islets and palmitate-treated islets compared to control islets, indicating disordered BCAA catabolism in diabetic islets. Furthermore, BCKDK inhibitor BT2 suppressed BCAA-induced hypersecretion of glucagon in diabetic islets and palmitate-treated islets. Taken together, postprandial hypersecretion of glucagon in the diabetic state is attributable to disordered BCAA catabolism in pancreatic islet cells.

Utility of O-arm navigation for atlantoaxial fusion with Bow Hunter's syndrome

Background:

In spinal instrumentation surgery, safe and accurate placement of implants such as lateral mass screws and pedicle screws should be a top priority. In particular, C2 stabilization can be challenging due to the complex anatomy of the upper cervical spine. Here, we present a case of Bow Hunter’s syndrome (BHS) successfully treated by an O-arm-navigated atlantoaxial fusion.

Case Description:

A 53-year-old male presented with a 10-year history of repeated episodes of transient loss of consciousness following neck rotation to the right. Although the unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed no pathological findings, the MR angiogram with dynamic digital subtraction angiography revealed a dominant left vertebral artery (VA) and hypoplasia of the right VA. The latter study further demonstrated significant flow reduction in the left VA at the C1-C2 level when the head was rotated toward the right. With these findings of BHS, a C1-C2 decompression/posterior fusion using the Goel-Harms technique with O-arm navigation was performed. The postoperative cervical X-rays showed adequate decompression/fixation, and symptoms resolved without sequelae.

Conclusion:

C1-C2 posterior decompression/fusion effectively treats BHS, and is more safely/effectively performed utilizing O-arm navigation for C1-C2 screw placement.

Role of PDK1 in skeletal muscle hypertrophy induced by mechanical load

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) plays an important role in protein metabolism and cell growth. We here show that mice (M-PDK1KO mice) with skeletal muscle-specific deficiency of 3'-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1), a key component of PI3K signaling pathway, manifest a reduced skeletal muscle mass under the static condition as well as impairment of mechanical load-induced muscle hypertrophy. Whereas mechanical load-induced changes in gene expression were not affected, the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) and S6 induced by mechanical load was attenuated in skeletal muscle of M-PDK1KO mice, suggesting that PDK1 regulates muscle hypertrophy not through changes in gene expression but through stimulation of kinase cascades such as the S6K-S6 axis, which plays a key role in protein synthesis. Administration of the β₂-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist clenbuterol activated the S6K-S6 axis in skeletal muscle and induced muscle hypertrophy in mice. These effects of clenbuterol were attenuated in M-PDK1KO mice, and mechanical load-induced activation of the S6K-S6 axis and muscle hypertrophy were inhibited in mice with skeletal muscle-specific deficiency of β₂-AR. Our results suggest that PDK1 regulates skeletal muscle mass under the static condition and that it contributes to mechanical load-induced muscle hypertrophy, at least in part by mediating signaling from β₂-AR.

A rare case of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula mimicking malignant glioma of the medulla oblongata: Significance of cerebral angiography for accurate diagnosis of brain stem region

Background:

The findings of a hyperintense sign on T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) and gadolinium (Gd) contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain stem suggest malignant glioma. However, this pathological condition is probably uncommon, and it may be unknown that a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) can imitate this radiological pattern. In addition, it is extremely rare to be caused by a spinal DAVF. Here, a rare case of spinal DAVF that mimicked malignant glioma of the medulla oblongata is presented.

Case Description:

A 56-year-old woman was admitted with a progressive gait disturbance, vertigo, and dysphasia. MRI showed a hyperintense signal in the medulla oblongata on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and moderate contrast enhancement on Gd-enhanced MRI. Interestingly, Gd-enhanced MRI demonstrated abnormal dilated veins around the brain stem and cervical spinal cord. Cerebral angiography showed spinal DAVF at the left C4/C5 vertebral foramen fed by the C5 radicular artery. The fistula drained into spinal perimedullary veins and flowed out retrograde at the cortical vein of the posterior cranial fossa. Therefore, surgical disconnection of the spinal DAVF was performed by a posterior approach. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. Cerebral angiography showed complete disappearance of the DAVF, with marked reductions of the hyperintense sign of the medulla oblongata on FLAIR.

Conclusion:

This important case illustrates MRI findings mimicking brain stem glioma. In cases with the hyperintense sign-on T2-WI associated with contrast enhancement suspicious of brainstem glioma, careful checking for perimedullary abnormal vessels and additional cerebral angiography should be performed.

Leukotriene A4 hydrolase deficiency protects mice from diet-induced obesity by increasing energy expenditure through neuroendocrine axis

Obesity is a health problem worldwide, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) is important for energy expenditure. Here, we explored the role of leukotriene A₄ hydrolase (LTA₄ H), a key enzyme in the synthesis of the lipid mediator leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄ ), in diet-induced obesity. LTA₄ H-deficient (LTA₄ H-KO) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) showed a lean phenotype, and bone-marrow transplantation studies revealed that LTA₄ H-deficiency in non-hematopoietic cells was responsible for this lean phenotype. LTA₄ H-KO mice exhibited greater energy expenditure, but similar food intake and fecal energy loss. LTA₄ H-KO BAT showed higher expression of thermogenesis-related genes. In addition, the plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormone concentrations, as well as HFD-induced catecholamine secretion, were higher in LTA₄ H-KO mice. In contrast, LTB₄ receptor (BLT1)-deficient mice did not show a lean phenotype, implying that the phenotype of LTA₄ H-KO mice is independent of the LTB₄ /BLT1 axis. These results indicate that LTA₄ H mediates the diet-induced obesity by reducing catecholamine and thyroid hormone secretion.

Anagliptin suppresses diet-induced obesity through enhancing leptin sensitivity and ameliorating hyperphagia in high-fat high-sucrose diet fed mice

Obesity is a major risk factors for type 2 diabetes, and weight loss is beneficial to diabetic patients who are obese or overweight. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are anti-diabetic drugs. Although it has been known that the effect of most of the DPP-4 inhibitors on body weight is neutral, several studies suggested that some DPP-4 inhibitors suppressed body weight. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying DPP-4 inhibitor-induced weight loss are not fully understood. In this study, the mice fed high-fat high sucrose diet (HFHSD) containing a DPP4 inhibitor, anagliptin, showed reduced food intake and body weight compared to the mice fed non-treated HFHSD, but oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were not altered. Sequential administration of leptin suppressed food intake and body weight more apparently in anagliptin treated HFHSD fed mice than non-treated HFHSD fed mice. Oxygen consumption and RER were comparable between anagliptin treated and non-treated mice after leptin administration. The number of phospho STAT3 expressed cells in the arcuate nucleus after leptin administration was increased in anagliptin treated mice compared to non-treated mice. These data suggested that anagliptin ameliorated leptin resistance induced by HFHSD and thereby decreased food intake and body weight. These effects of anagliptin could be beneficial to the treatment of obese diabetic patients.

Epithelioid glioblastoma presenting as multicentric glioma: A case report and review of the literature

Background:

Epithelioid glioblastoma is a rare aggressive variant of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which was formally recognized by the World Health Organization classification of the central nervous system in 2016. Clinically, epithelioid GBMs are characterized by aggressive features, such as metastases and cerebrospinal fluid dissemination, and an extremely poor prognosis. A rare case of epithelioid GBM that was discovered as a multicentric glioma with different histopathology is reported.

Case Description:

A 78-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with mild motor weakness of the right leg. Neuroimaging showed small masses in the left frontal and parietal lobes on magnetic resonance imaging. The abnormal lesion had been increasing rapidly for 3 weeks, and a new lesion appeared in the frontal lobe. 11C-methionine positron emission tomography (PET) showed abnormal uptake corresponding to the lesion. To reach a definitive diagnosis, surgical excision of the right frontal mass lesion was performed. Histological findings showed diffuse astrocytoma. Only radiotherapy was planned, but the left frontal and parietal tumors progressed further within a short period. Therefore, it was thought that these tumors were GBM, and a biopsy of the left parietal tumor was performed. The histological diagnosis was epithelioid GBM. Immunohistochemistry showed that most tumor cells were negatively stained for p53 and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1. BRAF V600E mutations were not identified, but TERT promoter mutations were identified. Immediately after surgery, the patient was given chemotherapy using temozolomide, extended local radiotherapy and then bevacizumab. After 6 months, he showed no signs of recurrence.

Conclusion:

Epithelioid GBM is one of the rarest morphologic subtypes of GBM and has a strongly infiltrative and aggressive nature. Therefore, careful identification of preoperative imaging studies and detailed evaluation of genetic studies are necessary to select the appropriate treatment for epithelioid GBM.

P110β in the ventromedial hypothalamus regulates glucose and energy metabolism

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling in hypothalamic neurons integrates peripheral metabolic cues, including leptin and insulin, to coordinate systemic glucose and energy homeostasis. PI3K is composed of different subunits, each of which has several unique isoforms. However, the role of the PI3K subunits and isoforms in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), a prominent site for the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis, is unclear. Here we investigated the role of subunit p110β in steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) neurons of the VMH in the regulation of metabolism. Our data demonstrate that the deletion of p110β in SF-1 neurons disrupts glucose metabolism, rendering the mice insulin resistant. In addition, the deletion of p110β in SF-1 neurons leads to the whitening of brown adipose tissues and increased susceptibility to diet-induced obesity due to blunted energy expenditure. These results highlight a critical role for p110β in the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis via VMH neurons.

A particular subunit of a critical signaling enzyme is needed for neurons inside the brain’s hypothalamus to properly regulate energy metabolism. Ki Woo Kim from Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea, and colleagues explored the role that the PI3K enzyme plays in neurons of the ventromedial area toward the front of the hypothalamus, a region involved in regulating hunger and metabolism. Deleting a subunit of PI3K called p110β, which is needed for enzymatic function, made mice less responsive to insulin, the hormone that keeps blood sugar levels at healthy levels. As well as having abnormal glucose metabolism, the mice converted more brown fat, which burns energy, into white fat, which stores energy. They were also more susceptible to diet-induced obesity. The findings point toward p110β as a potential drug target for treating diabetes.

Neuronal SIRT1 regulates macronutrient-based diet selection through FGF21 and oxytocin signalling in mice

Diet affects health through ingested calories and macronutrients, and macronutrient balance affects health span. The mechanisms regulating macronutrient-based diet choices are poorly understood. Previous studies had shown that NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in part influences the health-promoting effects of caloric restriction by boosting fat use in peripheral tissues. Here, we show that neuronal SIRT1 shifts diet choice from sucrose to fat in mice, matching the peripheral metabolic shift. SIRT1-mediated suppression of simple sugar preference requires oxytocin signalling, and SIRT1 in oxytocin neurons drives this effect. The hepatokine FGF21 acts as an endocrine signal to oxytocin neurons, promoting neuronal activation and Oxt transcription and suppressing the simple sugar preference. SIRT1 promotes FGF21 signalling in oxytocin neurons and stimulates Oxt transcription through NRF2. Thus, neuronal SIRT1 contributes to the homeostatic regulation of macronutrient-based diet selection in mice.

Aberrant DNA methylation of hypothalamic angiotensin receptor in prenatal programmed hypertension

Maternal malnutrition, which causes prenatal exposure to excessive glucocorticoid, induces adverse metabolic programming, leading to hypertension in offspring. In offspring of pregnant rats receiving a low-protein diet or dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, mRNA expression of angiotensin receptor type 1a (Agtr1a) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus was upregulated, concurrent with reduced expression of DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a), reduced binding of DNMT3a to the Agtr1a gene, and DNA demethylation. Salt loading increased BP in both types of offspring, suggesting that elevated hypothalamic Agtr1a expression is epigenetically modulated by excessive glucocorticoid and leads to adult-onset salt-sensitive hypertension. Consistent with this, dexamethasone treatment of PVN cells upregulated Agtr1a, while downregulating Dnmt3a, and decreased DNMT3a binding and DNA demethylation at the Agtr1a locus. In addition, Dnmt3a knockdown upregulated Agtr1a independently of dexamethasone. Hypothalamic neuron-specific Dnmt3a-deficient mice exhibited upregulation of Agtr1a in the PVN and salt-induced BP elevation without dexamethasone treatment. By contrast, dexamethasone-treated Agtr1a-deficient mice failed to show salt-induced BP elevation, despite reduced expression of Dnmt3a. Thus, epigenetic modulation of hypothalamic angiotensin signaling contributes to salt-sensitive hypertension induced by prenatal glucocorticoid excess in offspring of mothers that are malnourished during pregnancy.

Sweet taste receptor in the hypothalamus: a potential new player in glucose sensing in the hypothalamus

The hypothalamic feeding center plays an important role in energy homeostasis. The feeding center senses the systemic energy status by detecting hormone and nutrient levels for homeostatic regulation, resulting in the control of food intake, heat production, and glucose production and uptake. The concentration of glucose is sensed by two types of glucose-sensing neurons in the feeding center: glucose-excited neurons and glucose-inhibited neurons. Previous studies have mainly focused on glucose metabolism as the mechanism underlying glucose sensing. Recent studies have indicated that receptor-mediated pathways also play a role in glucose sensing. This review describes sweet taste receptors in the hypothalamus and explores the role of sweet taste receptors in energy homeostasis.

Sweet Taste Receptor Serves to Activate Glucose- and Leptin-Responsive Neurons in the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus and Participates in Glucose Responsiveness

The hypothalamic feeding center plays an important role in energy homeostasis. In the feeding center, whole-body energy signals including hormones and nutrients are sensed, processed, and integrated. As a result, food intake and energy expenditure are regulated. Two types of glucose-sensing neurons exist in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC): glucose-excited neurons and glucose-inhibited neurons. While some molecules are known to be related to glucose sensing in the hypothalamus, the mechanisms underlying glucose sensing in the hypothalamus are not fully understood. The sweet taste receptor is a heterodimer of taste type 1 receptor 2 (T1R2) and taste type 1 receptor 3 (T1R3) and senses sweet tastes. T1R2 and T1R3 are distributed in multiple organs including the tongue, pancreas, adipose tissue, and hypothalamus. However, the role of sweet taste receptors in the ARC remains to be clarified. To examine the role of sweet taste receptors in the ARC, cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) in isolated single ARC neurons were measured using Fura-2 fluorescent imaging. An artificial sweetener, sucralose at 10⁻⁵–10⁻² M dose dependently increased [Ca²⁺]_i in 12–16% of ARC neurons. The sucralose-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase was suppressed by a sweet taste receptor inhibitor, gurmarin. The sucralose-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase was inhibited under an extracellular Ca²⁺-free condition and in the presence of an L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker, nitrendipine. Sucralose-responding neurons were activated by high-concentration of glucose. This response to glucose was markedly suppressed by gurmarin. More than half of sucralose-responding neurons were activated by leptin but not ghrelin. Percentages of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons among sucralose-responding neurons and sweet taste receptor expressing neurons were low, suggesting that majority of sucralose-responding neurons are non-POMC neurons. These data suggest that sweet taste receptor-mediated cellular activation mainly occurs on non-POMC leptin-responding neurons and contributes to glucose responding. Endogenous sweet molecules including glucose may regulate energy homeostasis through sweet taste receptors on glucose-and leptin-responsive neurons in the ARC.

Neurohormones, rikkunshito and hypothalamic neurons interactively control appetite and anorexia

Ghrelin is the orexigenic peptide produced in the periphery, and its plasma level shows remarkable pre/postprandial changes. Ghrelin is considered a pivotal signal to the brain to stimulate feeding. Hence, characterizing the target neurons for ghrelin in the hypothalamic feeding center and the signaling cascade in the target neurons are essential for understanding the mechanisms regulating appetite. Anorexia and cachexia associated with gastric surgery, stress-related diseases, and use of anti-cancer drugs cause the health problems, markedly deteriorating the quality of life. The anorexia involves several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the hypothalamic feeding center, in which corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), urocortine, serotonin (5HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play a pivotal role. A Japanese herbal medicine, rikkunshito, has been reported to ameliorate the anorexia by promoting the appetite. This review describes 1) the interaction of ghrelin with the orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and underlying signaling cascade in NPY neurons, 2) the anorectic pathway driven by BDNF-CRH/urocortine and 5HTCRH/ urocortine pathways, 3) the effect of rikkunshito on the interaction of ghrelin and NPY neurons in ARC, and 4) the effect of rikkunshito on the interaction of 5HT on CRH neurons in paraventricular nucleus (PVN).

Arcuate NPY neurons sense and integrate peripheral metabolic signals to control feeding

NPY neuron in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus is a key feeding center. Studies have shown that NPY neuron in the arcuate nucleus has a role to induce food intake. The arcuate nucleus is structurally unique with lacking blood brain barrier. Peripheral energy signals including hormones and nutrition can reach the arcuate nucleus. In this review, we discuss sensing and integrating peripheral signals in NPY neurons. In the arcuate nucleus, ghrelin mainly activates NPY neurons. Leptin and insulin suppress the ghrelin-induced activation in 30-40% of the ghrelin-activated NPY neurons. Lowering glucose concentration activates 40% of NPY neurons. These results indicate that NPY neuron in the arcuate nucleus is a feeding center in which major peripheral energy signals are directly sensed and integrated. Furthermore, there are subpopulations of NPY neurons in regard to their responsiveness to peripheral signals. These findings suggest that NPY neuron in the arcuate nucleus is an essential feeding center to induce food intake in response to peripheral metabolic state.

FOXO1 in the ventromedial hypothalamus regulates energy balance

The transcription factor FOXO1 plays a central role in metabolic homeostasis by regulating leptin and insulin activity in many cell types, including neurons. However, the neurons mediating these effects and the identity of the molecular targets through which FOXO1 regulates metabolism remain to be defined. Here, we show that the ventral medial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) is a key site of FOXO1 action. We found that mice lacking FOXO1 in steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) neurons of the VMH are lean due to increased energy expenditure. The mice also failed to appropriately suppress energy expenditure in response to fasting. Furthermore, these mice displayed improved glucose tolerance due to increased insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and heart. Gene expression profiling and sequence analysis revealed several pathways regulated by FOXO1. In addition, we identified the nuclear receptor SF-1 as a direct FOXO1 transcriptional target in the VMH. Collectively, our data suggest that the transcriptional networks modulated by FOXO1 in VMH neurons are key components in the regulation of energy balance and glucose homeostasis.

Insulin suppresses ghrelin-induced calcium signaling in neuropeptide Y neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) play an important role in feeding regulation. Plasma levels of ghrelin and insulin show reciprocal dynamics before and after meals. We hypothesized that ghrelin and insulin also exert reciprocal effects on ARC NPY neurons. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) was measured by fura-2 microfluorometry in single neurons isolated from ARC of adult rats, followed by immunocytochemical identification of NPY neurons. Ghrelin at 10⁻¹⁰ M increased [Ca²⁺]_i in isolated ARC neurons, and co-administration of insulin concentration-dependently suppressed the ghrelin-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increases. Insulin at 10⁻¹⁶ M, 10⁻¹⁴ M, 10⁻¹² M and 10⁻¹⁰ M counteracted ghrelin action in 26%, 41%, 61% and 53% of ghrelin-responsive neurons, respectively, showing a maximal effect at 10⁻¹² M, the estimated postprandial concentration of insulin in the brain. The majority (>70%) of the ghrelin-activated insulin-inhibited neurons were shown to contain NPY. Double-immunohistochemistry revealed that 85% of NPY neurons in ARC express insulin receptors. These data demonstrate that insulin directly interacts with ARC NPY neurons and counteracts ghrelin action. Our results suggest that postprandial increase in plasma insulin/ghrelin ratio and insulin inhibition of ghrelin action on ARC NPY neurons cooperate to effectively inhibit the neuron activity and terminate feeding.

Ghrelin directly stimulates glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha-cells

Previous work has demonstrated that the peptide hormone ghrelin raises blood glucose. Such has been attributed to ghrelin's ability to enhance GH secretion, restrict insulin release, and/or reduce insulin sensitivity. Ghrelin's reported effects on glucagon have been inconsistent. Here, both animal- and cell-based systems were used to determine the role of glucagon in mediating ghrelin's effects on blood glucose. The tissue and cell distribution of ghrelin receptors (GHSR) was evaluated by quantitative PCR and histochemistry. Plasma glucagon levels were determined following acute acyl-ghrelin injections and in pharmacological and/or transgenic mouse models of ghrelin overexpression and GHSR deletion. Isolated mouse islets and the α-cell lines αTC1 and InR1G9 were used to evaluate ghrelin's effects on glucagon secretion and the role of calcium and ERK in this activity. GHSR mRNA was abundantly expressed in mouse islets and colocalized with glucagon in α-cells. Elevation of acyl-ghrelin acutely (after sc administration, such that physiologically relevant plasma ghrelin levels were achieved) and chronically (by slow-releasing osmotic pumps and as observed in transgenic mice harboring ghrelinomas) led to higher plasma glucagon and increased blood glucose. Conversely, genetic GHSR deletion was associated with lower plasma glucagon and reduced fasting blood glucose. Acyl-ghrelin increased glucagon secretion in a dose-dependent manner from mouse islets and α-cell lines, in a manner requiring elevation of intracellular calcium and phosphorylation of ERK. Our study shows that ghrelin's regulation of blood glucose involves direct stimulation of glucagon secretion from α-cells and introduces the ghrelin-glucagon axis as an important mechanism controlling glycemia under fasting conditions.

AMP-activated protein kinase activates neuropeptide Y neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus to increase food intake in rats

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor that is activated by the increase of intracellular AMP:ATP ratio. AMPK in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) is activated during fasting and the activation of AMPK stimulates food intake. To clarify the pathway underlying AMPK-induced feeding, we monitored the activity of single ARC neurons by measuring cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) with fura-2 fluorescence imaging. An AMPK activator, AICA-riboside (AICAR), at 200 μM increased [Ca(2+)](i) in 24% of ARC neurons. AMPK and acetyl CoA carboxylase were phosphorylated in the neurons with [Ca(2+)](i) responses to AICAR. AICAR-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases were inhibited by Ca(2+)-free condition but not by thapsigargin, suggesting that AICAR increases [Ca(2+)](i) through Ca(2+) influx from extracellular space. Among AICAR-responding ARC neurons, 38% were neuropeptide Y (NPY)-immunoreactive neurons while no proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-immunoreactive neuron was observed. Intracerebroventricular administration of AICAR increased food intake, and the AICAR-induced food intake was abolished by the co-administration of NPY Y1 receptor antagonist, 1229U91. These results indicate that the activation of AMPK leads to the activation of ARC NPY neurons through Ca(2+) influx, thereby causing NPY-dependent food intake. These mechanisms could be implicated in the stimulation of food intake by physiological orexigenic substances.

SF-1 in the ventral medial hypothalamic nucleus: a key regulator of homeostasis

The ventral medial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) regulates food intake and body weight homeostasis. The nuclear receptor NR5A1 (steroidogenic factor 1; SF-1) is a transcription factor whose expression is highly restricted in the VMH and is required for the development of the nucleus. Neurons expressing SF-1 in the VMH have emerged as playing important roles in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis. Many of these studies have used site-specific gene KO approaches, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of energy homeostasis by the SF-1 neurons of the VMH. In this brief review, we will focus on recent studies defining the molecular mechanisms regulating energy homeostasis and body weight in the VMH, particularly stressing the SF-1 expressing neurons.

5-HT2CRs expressed by pro-opiomelanocortin neurons regulate energy homeostasis

Drugs activating 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptors (5-HT_2CRs) potently suppress appetite, but the underlying mechanisms for these effects are not fully understood. To tackle this issue, we generated mice with global 5-HT_2CR deficiency (2C null) and mice with 5-HT_2CRs re-expression only in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons (2C/POMC mice). We show that 2C null mice predictably developed hyperphagia, hyperactivity, and obesity and showed attenuated responses to anorexigenic 5-HT drugs. Remarkably, all these deficiencies were normalized in 2C/POMC mice. These results demonstrate that 5-HT_2CR expression solely in POMC neurons is sufficient to mediate effects of serotoninergic compounds on food intake. The findings also highlight the physiological relevance of the 5-HT_2CR-melanocortin circuitry in the long-term regulation of energy balance.

Leptin transiently antagonizes ghrelin and long-lastingly orexin in regulation of Ca2+ signaling in neuropeptide Y neurons of the arcuate nucleus

AIM: To explore the mechanism for interactions of leptin with ghrelin and orexin in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) activating neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons during physiological regulation of feeding.

METHODS: Single neurons from ARC of adult rats with matured feeding function were isolated. [Ca²⁺]_i was measured to monitore their activities. The time course of leptin effects on ghrelin-induced versus orexin-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increases in NPY neurons was studied.

RESULTS: Administration of ghrelin or orexin-A at 10^-10 mol/L increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) in NPY neurons isolated from the ARC of adult rats. Upon administration of leptin at 10^-14-10^-12 mol/L, ghrelin-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increases were initially (< 10 min) inhibited but later restored, exhibiting a transient pattern of inhibition. In contrast, orexin-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increases were inhibited by leptin in a long-lasting manner. Furthermore, a prior administration of leptin inhibited orexin action but not ghrelin action to increase [Ca²⁺]_i.

CONCLUSION: Leptin counteracted ghrelin effects transiently and orexin effects long-lastingly in NPY neurons. The transient property with which leptin counteracts ghrelin action in NPY neurons may allow the fasting-associated increase in ghrelin levels to activate NPY neurons in the presence of physiological leptin and to stimulate feeding.

Nesfatin-1 neurons in paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the rat hypothalamus coexpress oxytocin and vasopressin and are activated by refeeding

Nesfatin-1, a newly discovered satiety molecule, is located in the hypothalamic nuclei, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). In this study, fine localization and regulation of nesfatin-1 neurons in the PVN and SON were investigated by immunohistochemistry of neuropeptides and c-Fos. In the PVN, 24% of nesfatin-1 neurons overlapped with oxytocin, 18% with vasopressin, 13% with CRH, and 12% with TRH neurons. In the SON, 35% of nesfatin-1 neurons overlapped with oxytocin and 28% with vasopressin. After a 48-h fast, refeeding for 2 h dramatically increased the number of nesfatin-1 neurons expressing c-Fos immunoreactivity by approximately 10 times in the PVN and 30 times in the SON, compared with the fasting controls. In the SON, refeeding also significantly increased the number of nesfatin-1-immunoreactive neurons and NUCB2 mRNA expression, compared with fasting. These results indicate that nesfatin-1 neurons in the PVN and SON highly overlap with oxytocin and vasopressin neurons and that they are activated markedly by refeeding. Feeding-activated nesfatin-1 neurons in the PVN and SON could play a role in the postprandial regulation of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis.

Ghrelin raises [Ca2+]i via AMPK in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus NPY neurons

Ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone, directly activates neuropeptide (NPY) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), and thereby stimulates food intake. The hypothalamic level of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an intracellular energy sensor, is activated by peripheral and central administration of ghrelin. We examined whether ghrelin regulates AMPK activity in NPY neurons of the ARC. Single neurons were isolated from the ARC and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was measured by fura-2 microfluorometry, followed by immunocytochemical identification of NPY, phospho-AMPK, and phospho-acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Ghrelin and AICAR, an AMPK activator, increased [Ca(2+)](i) in neurons isolated from the ARC. The ghrelin-responsive neurons highly overlapped with AICAR-responsive neurons. The neurons that responded to both ghrelin and AICAR were primarily NPY-immunoreactive neurons. Treatment with ghrelin increased phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC. An AMPK inhibitor, compound C, suppressed ghrelin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases. These results demonstrate that ghrelin increases [Ca(2+)](i) via AMPK-mediated signaling in the ARC NPY neurons.

Leptin suppresses ghrelin-induced activation of neuropeptide Y neurons in the arcuate nucleus via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- and phosphodiesterase 3-mediated pathway

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) play a central role in stimulation of feeding. They sense and integrate peripheral and central signals, including ghrelin and leptin. However, the mechanisms of interaction of these hormones in NPY neurons are largely unknown. This study explored the interaction and underlying signaling cross talk between ghrelin and leptin in NPY neurons. Cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in single neurons isolated from ARC of adult rats was measured by fura-2 microfluorometry. Ghrelin increased [Ca(2+)](i) in 31% of ARC neurons. The [Ca(2+)](i) increases were inhibited by blockers of phospholipase C, adenylate cyclase, and protein kinase A. Ghrelin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases were suppressed by subsequent administration of leptin. Fifteen of 18 ghrelin-activated, leptin-suppressed neurons (83%) contained NPY. Leptin suppression of ghrelin responses was prevented by pretreatment with inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) but not MAPK. ATP-sensitive potassium channel inhibitors and activators did not prevent and mimic leptin suppression, respectively. Although leptin phosphorylated signal-transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in NPY neurons, neither STAT3 inhibitor nor genetic STAT3 deletion altered leptin suppression of ghrelin responses. Furthermore, orexigenic effect of intracerebroventricular ghrelin in rats was counteracted by leptin in a PDE3-dependent manner. These findings indicate that ghrelin increases [Ca(2+)](i) via mechanisms depending on phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase-PKA pathways in ARC NPY neurons and that leptin counteracts ghrelin responses via a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-PDE3 pathway. This interaction may play an important role in regulating ARC NPY neuron activity and, thereby, feeding.

Leptin facilitates learning and memory performance and enhances hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation and CaMK II phosphorylation in rats

Leptin, an adipocytokine encoded by an obesity gene and expressed in adipose tissue, affects feeding behavior, thermogenesis, and neuroendocrine status via leptin receptors distributed in the brain, especially in the hypothalamus. Leptin may also modulate the synaptic plasticity and behavioral performance related to learning and memory since: leptin receptors are found in the hippocampus, and both leptin and its receptor share structural and functional similarities with the interleukin-6 family of cytokines that modulate long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. We therefore examined the effect of leptin on (1) behavioral performance in emotional and spatial learning tasks, (2) LTP at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses, (3) presynaptic and postsynaptic activities in hippocampal CA1 neurons, (4) the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in CA1 neurons, and (5) the activity of Ca(2+)/calmodulin protein kinase II (CaMK II) in the hippocampal CA1 tissue that exhibits LTP. Intravenous injection of 5 and/or 50mug/kg, but not of 500mug/kg leptin, facilitated behavioral performance in passive avoidance and Morris water-maze tasks. Bath application of 10(-12)M leptin in slice experiments enhanced LTP and increased the presynaptic transmitter release, whereas 10(-10)M leptin suppressed LTP and reduced the postsynaptic receptor sensitivity to N-methyl-d-aspartic acid. The increase in the [Ca(2+)](i) induced by 10(-10)M leptin was two times greater than that induced by 10(-12)M leptin. In addition, the facilitation (10(-12)M) and suppression (10(-10)M) of LTP by leptin was closely associated with an increase and decrease in Ca(2+)-independent activity of CaMK II. Our results show that leptin not only affects hypothalamic functions (such as feeding, thermogenesis, and neuroendocrine status), but also modulates higher nervous functions, such as the behavioral performance related to learning and memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity.

Young adult-specific hyperphagia in diabetic Goto-kakizaki rats is associated with leptin resistance and elevation of neuropeptide Y mRNA in the arcuate nucleus

The present study aimed to examine whether hyperphagia, which is frequently observed in type 1 diabetic patients and model animals, also occurs in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and, if so, to explore underlying abnormalities in the hypothalamus. GK rats at postnatal weeks 6-12, compared to control Wistar rats, exhibited hyperphagia, hyperglycaemia, hyperleptinemia and increased visceral fat accumulation, whereas body weight was unaltered. The ability of leptin to suppress feeding was reduced in GK rats compared to Wistar rats of these ages. In GK rats, leptin-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 was significantly reduced in the cells of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), but not of the ventromedial hypothalamus, whereas the mRNA level of functional leptin receptor was unaltered. By real-time polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation, mRNA levels of neuropeptide Y, but not pro-opiomelanocortin and galanin-like peptide, were significantly increased in the ARC of GK rats at 11 weeks, but not 26 weeks. Following i.c.v. injection of a NPY Y1 antagonist, 1229U91, the amount of food intake in GK rats was indistinguishable from that in Wistar rats, thus eliminating the hyperphagia of GK rats. These results demonstrate that young adult GK rats display hyperphagia in association with leptin resistance and increased NPY mRNA level in the ARC.

Galanin-like peptide stimulates food intake via activation of neuropeptide Y neurons in the hypothalamic dorsomedial nucleus of the rat

Galanin-like peptide (GALP), a 29-amino-acid neuropeptide, is located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), binds to galanin receptor subtype 2, and induces food intake upon intracerebroventricular (icv) injection in rats. However, neural mechanisms underlying its orexigenic action remain unclear. We aimed to identify the nuclei and neuron species that mediate the food intake in response to icv GALP injection. Intracerebroventricular injection of GALP, as powerfully as that of neuropeptide Y (NYP), increased food intake for the initial 2 h. GALP injected focally into the dorsomedial nucleus (DMN), but not the ARC, lateral hypothalamus, or paraventricular nucleus (PVN), stimulated food intake for 2 h after injection. In contrast, galanin injected into the DMN had no effect. DMN-lesion rats that received icv GALP injection showed attenuated feeding compared with control rats. Intracerebroventricular GALP injection increased c-Fos expression in NPY-containing neurons in the DMN, but not the ARC. GALP increased the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in NPY-immunoreactive neurons isolated from the DMN, but not the ARC. Furthermore, both anti-NPY IgG and NPY antagonists, when preinjected, counteracted the feeding induced by GALP injection. These data show that icv GALP injection induces a potent short-term stimulation of food intake mainly via activation of NPY-containing neurons in the DMN.

Galanin-like peptide and ghrelin increase cytosolic Ca2+ in neurons containing growth hormone-releasing hormone in the arcuate nucleus

Galanin-like peptide (GALP), discovered in the porcine hypothalamus, is expressed predominantly in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), a feeding-controlling center. Intracerebroventricular injection of GALP has been shown to stimulate food intake in the rats. However, the mechanisms underlying the orexigenic effect of GALP are unknown. The present study aimed to determine the target neurons of GALP in the ARC. We investigated the effects of GALP on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the neurons isolated from the rat ARC, followed by neurochemical identification of these neurons by immunocytochemistry using antisera against growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC), the peptides localized in the ARC. GALP at 10(-10) M increased [Ca2+]i in 11% of single neurons of the ARC, while ghrelin, an orexigenic and GH-releasing peptide, at 10(-10) M increased [Ca2+]i in 35% of the ARC neurons. Some of these GALP- and/or ghrelin-responsive neurons were proved to contain GHRH. In contrast, NPY- and POMC-containing neurons did not respond to GALP. These results indicate that GALP directly targets GHRH neurons, but not NPY and POMC neurons, and that ghrelin directly targets GHRH neurons in the ARC. The former action may be involved in the orexigenic effect of GALP and the latter in the GH-releasing and/or orexigenic effects ghrelin.

PACAP deficient mice display reduced carbohydrate intake and PACAP activates NPY-containing neurons in the rat hypothalamic arcuate nucleus

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) potentiates both insulin release from islets and insulin action in adipocytes. Therefore, this peptide is considered a regulator of glucose homeostasis. PACAP and its receptors are localized not only in the peripheral tissues but in the central nervous system. The present study examined whether PACAP regulates the feeding behavior and the activity of neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), a feeding center. Food intake was measured in the PACAP knock-out mice. Cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in single neurons isolated from the ARC of rats was measured by fura-2 microfluorometry, followed by immunocytochemical staining with anti-NPY antiserum. PACAP knock-out mice showed a decrease in the intake of high carbohydrate, but not high fat, food. PACAP increased [Ca2+]i in NPY neurons of the ARC that are implicated in the feeding, particularly the carbohydrate ingestion. Agonists of PACAP receptors, PAC1-R and VPAC2-R, also increased [Ca2+]i. The present study, by demonstrating that PACAP directly reacts with the ARC NPY neurons to increase [Ca2+]i and that ingestion of the carbohydrate-rich food is reduced in PACAP-deficiency, suggests a facilitative role for PACAP in the carbohydrate intake.

Orexins (hypocretins) directly interact with neuropeptide Y, POMC and glucose-responsive neurons to regulate Ca 2+ signaling in a reciprocal manner to leptin: orexigenic neuronal pathways in the mediobasal hypothalamus

Orexin-A and -B (hypocretin-1 and -2) have been implicated in the stimulation of feeding. Here we show the effector neurons and signaling mechanisms for the orexigenic action of orexins in rats. Immunohistochemical methods showed that orexin axon terminals contact with neuropeptide Y (NPY)- and proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-positive neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the rats. Microinjection of orexins into the ARC markedly increased food intake. Orexins increased cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in the isolated neurons from the ARC, which were subsequently shown to be immunoreactive for NPY. The increases in [Ca(2+)](i) were inhibited by blockers of phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC) and Ca(2+) uptake into endoplasmic reticulum. The stimulation of food intake and increases in [Ca(2+)](i) in NPY neurons were greater with orexin-A than with orexin-B, indicative of involvement of the orexin-1 receptor (OX(1)R). In contrast, orexin-A and -B equipotently attenuated [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations and decreased [Ca(2+)](i) levels in POMC-containing neurons. These effects were counteracted by pertussis toxin, suggesting involvement of the orexin-2 receptor and Gi/Go subtypes of GTP-binding proteins. Orexins also decreased [Ca(2+)](i) levels in glucose-responsive neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), a satiety center. Leptin exerted opposite effects on these three classes of neurons. These results demonstrate that orexins directly regulate NPY, POMC and glucose-responsive neurons in the ARC and VMH, in a manner reciprocal to leptin. Orexin-A evokes Ca(2+) signaling in NPY neurons via OX(1)R-PLC-PKC and IP(3) pathways. These neural pathways and intracellular signaling mechanisms may play key roles in the orexigenic action of orexins.

Ghrelin directly interacts with neuropeptide-Y-containing neurons in the rat arcuate nucleus: Ca2+ signaling via protein kinase A and N-type channel-dependent mechanisms and cross-talk with leptin and orexin

Ghrelin is a newly discovered peptide that is released from the stomach and from neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and potently stimulates growth hormone release and food intake. Neuropeptide-Y (NPY) neurons in the ARC play an important role in the stimulation of food intake. The present study aimed to determine whether ghrelin directly activates NPY neurons and, if so, to explore its signaling mechanisms. Whether the neurons that respond to ghrelin could be regulated by orexin and leptin was also examined. We isolated single neurons from the ARC of rats and measured the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) with fura-2 fluorescence imaging. Ghrelin (10(-12) to 10(-8) mol/l) concentration-dependently increased [Ca(2+)](i), which occurred in 35% of the ARC neurons. Approximately 80% of these ghrelin-responsive neurons were proved to be NPY-containing by immunocytochemical staining, and 58% of them were glucose-sensitive neurons as judged by their responses to lowering glucose concentrations. The [Ca(2+)](i) responses to ghrelin were markedly attenuated by inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA) but not protein kinase C and by a blocker of N-type but not L-type Ca(2+) channels. Orexin increased [Ca(2+)](i) and leptin attenuated ghrelin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases in the majority (80%) of ghrelin-responsive NPY neurons. These results demonstrate that ghrelin directly interacts with NPY neurons in the ARC to induce Ca(2+) signaling via PKA and N-type Ca(2+) channel-dependent mechanisms. The integration of stimulatory effects of ghrelin and orexin and inhibitory effect of leptin may play an important role in the regulation of the activity of NPY neurons and thereby feeding.

PACAP activates PKA, PKC and Ca(2+) signaling cascades in rat neuroepithelial cells

Several studies have reported that the PAC(1) receptor (PAC1-R), the specific receptor for PACAP, is expressed at early developmental stages. Here, we describe that the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was increased by PACAP, but not VIP, in a concentration range from 10(-12) to 10(-8) M via the PAC(1)-R in isolated single cells from the rat neural fold. This activation of the cells by PACAP was mimicked by agonists and inhibited by antagonists of the cAMP/PKA and PLC/PKC cascades. These data indicate that PACAP/PAC(1)-R is linked to [Ca(2+)](i) signaling via two G-protein-coupled protein kinase pathways and may thereby play an important role in early neurodevelopment.