Nesfatin‐1 Influences the Excitability of Neurons in the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract

Abstract

Nesfatin‐1 is a recently discovered neuropeptide that has been shown to decrease food intake in animals when injected both intracerebroventricularly and peripherally. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical studies have revealed the expression of nesfatin‐1 throughout the brain and, in particular, in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a medullary structure with important roles in the regulation of feeding. In order to shed light on the mechanisms by which nesfatin‐1 exerts its satiety‐promoting actions, this study examined the effect of nesfatin‐1 on the excitability of NTS neurons. Whole‐cell current clamp recordings from rat NTS neurons in slice preparation were performed and the effects of bath application of nesfatin‐1 (10nM) on membrane potential examined. Of 14 cells tested, 43% (6/14) were influenced by nesfatin‐1. Depolarizing effects were seen in 50% of responsive cells (mean depolarization = 5.1 ± 1.4 mV, n=3) while the remaining 50% of cells hyperpolarized (mean hyperpolarization = −8.6 ± 0.9 mV, n=3) in response to nesfatin‐1. These findings identify the NTS as a potential site at which nesfatin‐1 acts to influence central control of food intake.Research support provided by NSERC, CIHR, and HSFC.