Abstract
We recently found a previously unidentified cDNA in chicken hypothalamus which encodes the precursor for neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL). A previous study showed that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of NPGL caused body mass gain in chicks. However, it was not clear which part(s) of the body gained mass. In the present study, we investigated which tissues increased in mass after chronic i.c.v. infusion of NPGL in chicks. We found that NPGL increased the masses of the liver, abdominal fat, and subcutaneous fat, while NPGL did not affect the masses of muscles, including pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and biceps femoris. Oil Red O staining revealed that fat deposition had occurred in the liver. In addition, the size of the lipid droplets in the abdominal fat increased. Furthermore, we found an upregulation of lipogenesis and downregulation of lipolysis in the abdominal fat, but not in the liver. These results indicate that NPGL is involved in fat storage in chicks.
Highlights
The processes of animal development and growth are regulated by several hormones, genetics, nutrition, and the environment [1]
neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL) increased the mass of the liver, abdominal fat, and subcutaneous fat (Figure 2A), while no change was observed in the muscle mass of the pectoralis major muscle, pectoralis minor muscle, and biceps femoris muscle (Figure 2B)
The precursor gene for NPGL was identified in the chicken hypothalamus through a cDNA subtractive screen designed to identify novel neuronal substance(s) in the avian brain [10]
Summary
The processes of animal development and growth are regulated by several hormones, genetics, nutrition, and the environment [1]. Bioactive substances, including neuropeptide Y (NPY), glucocorticoids, and leptin from the hypothalamus, adrenal gland, and adipose tissue, can influence body mass growth in mammals [3,4,5]. These neuropeptides, or circulating steroids and peptide hormones are secreted in response to physiological conditions, and the signals are integrated in the hypothalamus to regulate feeding behavior. Owing to the complexity of feeding regulation and growth, the exact mechanism(s) regulating these physiological processes remains to be elucidated
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
