Abstract
The appetite-suppressing effect of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) has been attributed to its inhibitory action on neuropeptide Y (NPY), an appetite stimulant. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not clear. This study aimed to investigate if cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling was involved. Moreover, possible role of superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2) during PPA treatment was also examined. Rats were daily treated with PPA for 4 days. Changes in hypothalamic NPY, protein kinase A, CREB, and SOD-2 mRNA contents were measured and compared. Results showed that protein kinase A, CREB, and SOD-2 mRNA levels increased during PPA treatment, which is concomitant with decreases in NPY and feeding. Moreover, CREB DNA binding activity detected by electromobility shift assay increased during PPA treatment, revealing an involvement of CREB-dependent gene transcription. Furthermore, infusions of CREB antisense oligonucleotide (or missense control) into cerebroventricle were performed at 1 h before daily PPA treatment in free-moving rats, and results showed that CREB knockdown could block PPA-induced anorexia and modify NPY and SOD-2 mRNA content toward normal. It is suggested that CREB signaling may participate in the central regulation of PPA-mediated appetite suppression via the modulation of NPY gene expression and that an increase of SOD-2 may favor this modulation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
