Agouti-related Peptide Expression Research Articles

The modulatory effect of oat on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, orexigenic neuropeptides, and dopaminergic signaling in obesity-induced rat model: a comparative study to orlistat.

Obesity is a non-communicable complex disease that is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. According to a novel viewpoint, the brain plays a significant role in the central regulation of satiety and energy homeostasis. Because of its rich nutritional profile and versatile uses, oat (Avena sativa) is one of the most popular functional foods recommended by many nutritionists. The anti-obesity effect of oat was hypothesized, focusing on the brain as the target organ. In the current study, the interplay between brain biomarkers, obesity, and its related complications was evaluated in diet-induced obese rats for 25 weeks, in which 60 adult male white albino Wistar rats were divided into three control and seven treatment groups given oat extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Oat significantly improved obesity-related metabolic complications. In terms of brain function, oat significantly increased dopaminergic signaling, brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, vaspin, irisin, and uncoupling protein-1 brain levels, while decreasing the expression of agouti-related peptide and neuropeptide Y (P-value < 0.05). The current study proposes oat supplementation as a new conceptual framework with numerous implications for hedonic and homeostatic mechanisms that control satiety. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sirtuin1-Mediated Deacetylation of Hypothalamic TTF-1 Contributes to the Energy Deficiency Response.

TTF-1 stimulates appetite by regulating the expression of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) genes in the hypothalamus of starving animals. However, the mechanism underlying TTF-1's response to decreased energy levels remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that the NAD+-dependent deacetylase, sirtuin1 (Sirt1), activates TTF-1 in response to energy deficiency. Energy deficiency leads to a twofold increase in the expression of both Sirt1 and TTF-1, leading to the deacetylation of TTF-1 through the interaction between the two proteins. The activation of Sirt1, induced by energy deficiency or resveratrol treatment, leads to a significant increase in the deacetylation of TTF-1 and promotes its nuclear translocation. Conversely, the inhibition of Sirt1 prevents these Sirt1 effects. Notably, a point mutation in a lysine residue of TTF-1 significantly disrupts its deacetylation and thus nearly completely hinders its ability to regulate AgRP and POMC gene expression. These findings highlight the importance of energy-deficiency-induced deacetylation of TTF-1 in the control of AgRP and POMC gene expression.

The hypothalamic neuropeptide, QRFP, regulates high fat diet intake in female Long-Evans rats following ovariectomy

Obesity rates in women continue to increase throughout the lifespan and obesity-related comorbidities are prevalent in women in estrogen deficiency. The hypothalamic neuropeptide, QRFP, is an orexigenic peptide that increases the intake of high fat diet (HFD) in female rats and is overexpressed following ovariectomy (OVX). Therefore, the goal of the current series of experiments was to elucidate the effect of QRFP on HFD intake following OVX and determine if QRFP-26 administration in ovariectomized females altered expression of prepro-neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and prepro-orexin in the lateral hypothalamus (LH). The intake of HFD was measured following acute administration of QRFP-26 prior to or following estradiol benzoate (EB) treatment in ovariectomized females. When administered prior to EB treatment, QRFP-26 increased HFD intake. EB treatment attenuated the effects of QRFP-26 on HFD intake. Sub-chronic, continuous administration of QRFP-26 increased HFD intake and weight gain following OVX. Subchronic, continuous administration of QRFP siRNA into the 3rd ventricle via osmotic pump decreased prepro-QRFP mRNA levels in the MBH by ∼75%, decreased HFD intake and decreased weight gain following OVX. QRFP-26administration did not alter the expression of prepro-NPY, AgRP or POMC mRNA in the MBH, but decreased prepro-orexin mRNA in the LH of ovariectomized females. Overall, results from these studies support the orexigenic neuropeptide, QRFP, as an important mediator of the ingestion of highly palatable foods and subsequent weight gain in females during estrogen deficiency.

Abstract P040: Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Is Expressed In Agouti-related Peptide Neurons Of The Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus Within Adult Human Brain

Local paracrine versions of the renin-angiotensin (ANG) system within the brain have been implicated in aspects of cardiovascular and metabolic control, including fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, blood pressure, and energy expenditure, and these effects are often mediated via the ANG type 1 (AT1) receptor. Previous radiographic studies of human brain support ligand binding to AT1 within the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), but its localization to individual cell types remains unresolved. Studies of rodent brain demonstrate expression of the rodent AT1 homolog AT1A within the murine ARC almost exclusively within a subset of cells that also express Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and neuropeptide-Y (NPY). Rodent studies also demonstrate a major role for AT1A within AgRP/NPY neurons in integrative control of energy expenditure, autonomic function, and possibly blood pressure. Thus, we hypothesized that AgRP/NPY neurons of the human ARC would express AT1. ARC sections were obtained after autopsy from a 74 year old male subject diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, body mass index of 34, with self-reported occasional use of over the counter fluticasone propionate, fexofenadine, and topical hydrocortisone. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ARC was sectioned at 4 microns. RNAscope in situ hybridization methods were used to localize mRNA for AT1 (ACDBio catalog 602841-C2) and AgRP (557451), and nuclei were visualized using DAPI. A similar 4 micron section, obtained within 12 microns of the first section, was analyzed as a negative control (AT1 control: 310043-C2, AgRP control: 310043). As expected, robust expression of AgRP was observed within the ARC (51/106 cells), but not in regions lateral to the ARC (4/114 cells). AT1 expression was observed in cells both within (49/106 cells) and outside the ARC (26/114 cells). Within the ARC, AT1 expression was detected in approximately 40% of AgRP neurons (double-positive n=21, AgRP-only n=30, AT1-only n=28, total cells n=106 in a 95,000 μm 2 region). Only a very small number of signal artifacts (AgRP 0.13; AT1 0.01 % total area) were detected in the negative control. These findings indicate that within the human ARC, and similar to rodents, AT1 is expressed within a unique subset of AgRP/NPY neurons.

Abstract P157: Altered ERK-mediated Control Of AgRP And Metabolic Rate During Obesity

Adaptation of resting metabolic rate (RMR) contributes to the maintenance of human obesity, yet the control of RMR - and how this system changes during obesity - remains poorly defined. Leptin normally suppresses Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) expression in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) to disinhibit melanocortin-mediated stimulation of RMR. Leptin stimulates ERK signaling in the ARC (a known suppressor of AgRP), and the inhibition of ARC ERK attenuates thermogenic sympathetic nervous activity responses to leptin. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) increases leptin, but paradoxically exaggerates ARC AgRP expression and causes RMR adaptation. Thus, we hypothesize that leptin increases ERK signaling in AgRP cells, to reduce AgRP and thereby ultimately increase RMR, but that this signaling mechanism becomes dysfunctional during DIO. Leptin application to GT1-7 cells (a model of AgRP neurons) increased pERK/ERK ratio (1 uM, 15 min leptin n=3, 2.9-fold of vehicle n=2, p&lt;0.05). In chow-fed adult mice, leptin injection caused an increase in ARC pERK/ERK ratio (2 ug/g ip 30 min leptin n=11, +43.8% vs saline n=9, p&lt;0.05) without affecting total ERK levels (normalized to beta-actin). DIO caused increases in endogenous plasma leptin and an increase in ARC pERK/ERK ratio (HFD n=5, +54.4% vs chow n=4, p&lt;0.05) without affecting total ERK levels - yet, canonical transcriptomic effects of ERK (ie, suppression of AgRP) were lost. Finally, reanalysis of our published single-nucleus RNAsequencing dataset describing the transcriptome of ARC after DIO demonstrates loss of canonical effects of increased ERK signaling specifically within the AgRP cell type. Together, these findings indicate that although DIO is associated with expected increases in ERK activation in AgRP neurons and the ARC, the consequences of ERK signaling are attenuated. We therefore hypothesize that DIO results in RMR adaptation through changes in signaling mechanisms that link ERK to its downstream targets, such as AgRP. Ongoing studies are focused on the development of novel animal models with tamoxifen-dependent conditional deletion of ERK within the adult AgRP neuron, to test whether loss of ERK signaling is sufficient to explain changes in ERK/AgRP/RMR control during DIO.

Chronic Isolation Stress Affects Central Neuroendocrine Signaling Leading to a Metabolically Active Microenvironment in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer

Social isolation is a powerful stressor capable of affecting brain plasticity and function. In the case of breast cancer, previous data indicate that stressful experiences may contribute to a worse prognosis, activating neuroendocrine and metabolism pathways, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are still poorly understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that chronic isolation stress (IS) may boost hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity, leading to changes in the hypothalamic expression of genes modulating both mood and metabolism in an animal model of breast cancer. This centrally activated signaling cascade would, in turn, affect the mammary gland microenvironment specifically targeting fat metabolism, leading to accelerated tumor onset. MMTVNeuTg female mice (a model of breast cancer developing mammary hyperplasia at 5 months of age) were either group-housed (GH) or subjected to IS from weaning until 5 months of age. At this time, half of these subjects underwent acute restraint stress to assess corticosterone (CORT) levels, while the remaining subjects were characterized for their emotional profile in the forced swimming and saccharin preference tests. At the end of the procedures, all the mice were sacrificed to assess hypothalamic expression levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), Neuropeptide Y (NpY), Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP), and Serum/Glucocorticoid-Regulated Protein Kinase 1 (SgK1). Leptin and adiponectin expression levels, as well as the presence of brown adipose tissue (BAT), were assessed in mammary fat pads. The IS mice showed higher CORT levels following acute stress and decreased expression of NpY, AgRP, and SgK1, associated with greater behavioral despair in the forced swimming test. Furthermore, they were characterized by increased consumption of saccharin in a preference test, suggesting an enhanced hedonic profile. The IS mice also showed an earlier onset of breast lumps (assessed by palpation) accompanied by elevated levels of adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) and BAT in the mammary fat pads. Overall, these data point to IS as a pervasive stressor that is able to specifically target neuronal circuits, mastered by the hypothalamus, modulating mood, stress reactivity and energy homeostasis. The activation of such IS-driven machinery may hold main implications for the onset and maintenance of pro-tumorigenic environments.

Effects of Dietary Calcium Propionate Supplementation on Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Messenger RNA Expression and Growth Performance in Finishing Rambouillet Lambs

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels concentrations of dietary calcium propionate (CaPr) on lambs’ growth performance; ruminal fermentation parameters; glucose–insulin concentration; and hypothalamic mRNA expression for neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP), and proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Thirty-two individually fed lambs were randomly assigned to four treatments: (1) control diet (0 g/kg of CaPr), (2) low CaPr, (30 g/kg dry matter (DM)), (3) medium CaPr, (35 g/kg DM), and (4) high CaPr (40 g/kg DM). After 42 days of feeding, lambs were slaughtered for collecting samples of the hypothalamus. Data were analyzed as a complete randomized design, and means were separated using linear and quadratic polynomial contrast. Growth performance was not affected (p ≥ 0.11) by dietary CaPr inclusion. The ruminal concentration of total volatile fatty acids (VFA) increased linearly (p = 0.04) as dietary CaPr increased. Likewise, a linear increase in plasma insulin concentration (p = 0.03) as dietary CaPr concentration increased. The relative mRNA expression of NPY exhibited a quadratic effect (p < 0.01), but there were significant differences in the mRNA expression of AgRP and POMC (p ≥ 0.10). Dietary calcium propionate did not improve lamb growth performance in lambs feed with only forage diets. Intake was not correlated with feed intake with mRNA expression of neuropeptides.

The expression of POMC and AgRP in brain and kidney tissues at different stages of diabetic nephropathy rats

Abstract Objective To explore the changes of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP) expression in brain and kidney tissues under insulin intervention at different stages of diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. Methods The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats of DN were treated with high-fat diet for 8 weeks and induced by intraperitoneally injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) for one time. Then DN rats were also injected insulin subcutaneously at 2–5 U/(kg·24 h) from initiation of the streptozotocin. Kidney tissue, blood sample, and 24 h-urine were collected to detect the ratio of kidney/body weight, blood glucose and 24-h urinary albumin excretion rate at different stages (4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks). Immunohistochemistry assay was used to measure the expression of POMC and AgRP at different stages of DN rats. Results The DN rats were established successfully. With the progression of DN, blood glucose, 24-h urinary albumin excretion rate and kidney body weight ratio increased significantly, while decreased when insulin was injected. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of POMC were decreased gradually in brain and kidney tissues. Conversely, the expression of AgRP in kidney was highest at week 8 and then decreased gradually. The effect of insulin on normalizing POMC and AgRP expression in brain and renal tissues was also observed in DKD rats. Conclusion With the progression of DN, the expression of POMC and AgRP in kidney tissues was observed at different stages of disease, and their expressions were significantly normalized by insulin. The mechanism of in situ expression of POMC and AGRP in kidney to the progression of DN needs further investigations.

Influence of peripheral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on feed intake, body temperature and hypothalamic expression of neuropeptides involved in appetite regulation in broilers and layer chicks

ABSTRACT 1. This study examined the expression of genes related to appetite-regulating neuropeptides in the hypothalamus of broiler and layer chicks (Gallus gallus) after intraperitoneal (IP) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 2. Both broiler and layer chicks received (n = 10 per group) LPS at doses of 0 and 200 µg and feed intake was measured up to 6 h after injection. In a further experiment, (n = 8 per group) mRNA abundance of some hypothalamic neuropeptides was measured 2 h after injection. The rectal temperature of each chick was measured before and 2 h post-injection. 3. Feed intake was significantly decreased by LPS from 2 h after injection and thereafter, while the rectal temperature did not change. 4. LPS decreased the expression of appetite-enhancing neuropeptides: neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) in broilers and, NPY in layer chicks. The expression of appetite-suppressing neuropeptides (corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and, cocaine and amphetamine regulated-transcript (CART) was not changed in broilers, while CRF tended to decrease and POMC was significantly decreased in layers. The abundance of the cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) did not change in broilers but was decreased in layers. 5. The findings indicated that the reduction in gene expression of hypothalamic appetite-enhancing neuropeptides NPY and AgRP is responsible for anorexia caused by LPS at a dose that did not influence body temperature.

FMRP-absence-induced up-regulation of hypothalamic MAP1B expression decreases AgRP level linking with reduces in food intake and body weight

Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), strongly associated with fragile X syndrome, plays important roles by regulating gene expression via interacting with other RNA binding proteins in the brain. However, the role of FMRP in hypothalamus, a central part responsible for metabolic control, is poorly known. Our study shows that FMRP is primarily located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). Using proteomic analysis, we identified 56 up-regulated and 22 down-regulated proteins in the hypothalamus of Map1b KO mice, with microtubule-associated protein 1 B (MAP1B) being the most outstanding increased protein (more than 10 folds). Immunofluorescent assays showed that MAP1B significantly increased in the Map1b-KO ARC, in which the number of agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-staining neurons significantly reduced, but not altered for pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. We further showed an age-dependent reduces in food intake and body weight of the KO mice, along with the decreases of MAP1B and AgRP at the same time points. In hypothalamic GT1-7 cells, the AgRP expression decreased upon knockdown of FMRP or overexpression of MAP1B, and increased in response to overexpression of FMRP or knockdown of MAP1B. Co-knockdown or co-overexpression of FMRP and MAP1B led to a reverse expression of AgRP compared to overexpression of knockdown of FMRP alone, demonstrating that MAP1B is essential for the regulatory effect of FMRP on AgRP expression. Taken together, these data suggest that FMRP-deficiency-induced increase of hypothalamic MAP1B and decrease of AgRP might be associated with reduces in food intake and body weight.

Hypothalamic peptide and nutrient sensors gene expression in the hypothalamus of neonatal rat

In the neonate, the main mediator for satiety or hunger is the information of distention or gastric contraction. Food intake controls has two types of a short-term one, based on the level of hydration, and another long-term one, dependent on the gastric stretch. The aim of this study is to evaluate the gene expression of peptides and nutrient sensors in the hypothalamus at 10 and 18 days of postnatal life. Male rats divided into groups: Fasting, Water, Milk, and Gavage.Two age groups had analyzed into 10 and 18 days. Gene expression of hypothalamic peptides, Neuropeptide Y(NPY), Agouti-related peptide(AgRP), proopiomelanocortin(POMC), cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript(CART), and energy sensors mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK) in the hypothalamus was seen. During the fasting period, there was an increase in expression of AMPK seen in 10 and 18 days, also mTOR reduction. Expression of NPY, AgRP, and POMC suffered the fasting effect only at 18 days. The effect of gastric distention and energy loads, there was increased expression of AMPK at 10 and 18 days, but expression of mTOR showed only at 18 days. There was increased NPY expression at 18 days, but not at 10 days, while AgRP increased its expression at both ages. At 10 days gene expression of CART increased and POMC as well as 10–18 days. Data demonstrated a simultaneous responsiveness to hypothalamic nutrient sensing also, controlling peptide food consumption even at an early age. The mature standard of control only observed at 18 days of life.

SAT-603 Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Antagonists Stimulate Feeding in Mice

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide which stimulates the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH) in pituitary gland. GHRH was also found to modulate food intake in mammals. MIA-690 is a synthetic GHRH antagonist of the Miami (MIA) series with potent antitumor effects. To date, its role in hypothalamic feeding modulation has not been evaluated. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chronic MIA-690 administration on feeding behavior, locomotor activity and hypothalamic dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine, 5-HT), orexigenic peptides [agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY)] and anorexigenic peptides [cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC)] activity.Adult C57/BL6 mice were treated daily for 4 weeks by subcutaneous administration of (5 µg) MIA-690 or vehicle solution. Food intake and body weight were recorded every 4 days throughout the study. Immediately after the last injection, locomotor activity in the home cage was recorded, and thereafter animals were sacrificed. Visceral, subcutaneous and brown fat depots were quickly excised and weighed. Hypothalamus was also dissected for evaluating gene expression of AgRP, NPY, CART and POMC by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, hypothalamic DA, NE and 5-HT levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrochemical detection.Our findings show that administration of MIA-690 increased food intake and body weight, without affecting locomotor activity. No difference was observed in visceral, subcutaneous and brown fat mass in animals treated with MIA-690 or vehicle. As for neuromodulatory effects, a significant increase of AgRP gene expression and NE levels, along with a reduction of 5-HT levels were found after MIA-690 treatment. On the other hand, we did not observe any alteration in NPY, POMC and CART gene expression, as well as DA levels, following MIA-690 administration.In conclusion, chronic peripheral administration of MIA-690 could play an orexigenic role paralleled by increased body weight. The stimulation of feeding could be mediated, at least in part, by increased AgRP gene expression and NE levels and decreased 5-HT levels, in the hypothalamus.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus Is Responsible for Food Intake Behavior by Modulating the Expression of Agouti-Related Peptide in Mice.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is abundantly expressed in the hypothalamus and contributes to hypothalamic functions, including appetite regulation. Although food intake is suggested to be decreased in PACAP (-/-) mice, the detailed mechanisms are still being discussed. We sought to investigate this link. The food consumption at 8h after refeeding in the (-/-) mice who had fasted for 2days was significantly lower than in the PACAP (+/+) mice. The nocturnal and daily food intake of (-/-) mice was significantly lower than those of (+/+) mice, but the diurnal food intake showed a tendency to increase. mRNA expression levels of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) were decreased, but those of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) were increased in the hypothalamus of (-/-) mice 4h after refeeding. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular administration of a PACAP receptor antagonist, PACAP6-38 (1nmol/4μL/mouse), decreased food intake and body weight 1, 2, and 4h after refeeding, as well as expression levels of AgRP at 4h after refeeding in (+/+) mice. The selective overexpression of PACAP by the infection of an adeno-associated virus in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) resulted in an increase in food intake and AgRP expression in the nocturnal period in addition to the increased food intake at 8h after refeeding. These results suggest that food intake behavior in mice is triggered by the increase in PACAP expression in the VMH via modulation of AgRP expression in the hypothalamus, pointing to PACAP inhibition as a potential strategy for the development of anti-obesity drugs.

Modulation of hypothalamic S6K1 and S6K2 alters feeding behavior and systemic glucose metabolism.

The mTOR/S6Ks signaling is one of the intracellular pathways important for metabolic control, acting both peripherally and centrally. In the hypothalamus, mTOR/S6Ks axis mediates the action of leptin and insulin and can modulate the expression of neuropeptides. We analyzed the role of different S6Ks isoforms in the hypothalamic regulation of metabolism. We observed decreased food intake and decreased expression of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) following intracerebroventricular (icv) injections of adenoviral-mediated overexpression of three different S6Ks isoforms. Moreover, mice overexpressing p70-S6K1 in undefined periventricular hypothalamic neurons presented changes in glucose metabolism, as an increase in gluconeogenesis. To further evaluate the hypothalamic role of a less-studied S6K isoform, p54-S6K2, we used a Cre-LoxP approach to specifically overexpress it in AgRP neurons. Our findings demonstrate the potential participation of S6K2 in AgRP neurons regulating feeding behavior.

Interleukin-17 acts in the hypothalamus reducing food intake

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is expressed in the intestine in response to changes in the gut microbiome landscape and plays an important role in intestinal and systemic inflammatory diseases. There is evidence that dietary factors can also modify the expression of intestinal IL-17. Here, we hypothesized that, similar to several other gut-produced factors, IL-17 may act in the hypothalamus to modulate food intake. We confirm that food intake increases IL-17 expression in the mouse ileum and human blood. There is no expression of IL-17 in the hypothalamus; however, IL-17 receptor A is expressed in both pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons. Upon systemic injection, IL-17 promoted a rapid increase in hypothalamic POMC expression, which was followed by a late increase in the expression of AgRP. Both systemic and intracerebroventricular injections of IL-17 reduced calorie intake without affecting whole-body energy expenditure. Systemic but not intracerebroventricular injection of IL-17 increase brown adipose tissue temperature. Thus, IL-17 is a gut-produced factor that is controlled by diet and modulates food intake by acting in the hypothalamus. Our findings provide the first evidence of a cytokine that is acutely regulated by food intake and plays a role in the regulation of eating.

Identification of hypothalamic genes in associating with food intake during incubation behavior in domestic chicken.

The molecular mechanism underlying in the onset and maintenance of incubation behavior are not fully understood, and it is still unknown the reason why White Leghorn, a layer strain, hens never display incubation behavior. Therefore, to explore specific hypothalamic genes regulating incubation behavior, cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) were applied to comparison between incubating Silkie and laying White Leghorn hens. In addition, mRNA expression of some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and melanocortinergic appetite genes including agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) was also analyzed on Silkie hens under natural anorexia and starvation. The CAGE identified 217 hypothalamic DEGs in incubating Silkie hens, and that of two, transthyretin (TTR) and prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), suggested as appetite gene, were markedly up- and down-regulated in incubating hens, respectively. In addition, AgRP and POMC expression also increased in incubating bird. mRNA expression of TTR, PrRP, and appetite genes were not differed significantly by starvation, although TTR mRNA expression was relatively high in fasting hens. Consequently, transcriptome by CAGE identified a number of hypothalamic genes differentially expressed by incubation behavior in Silkie hens. Of these, it is suggested that TTR and PrRP may, at least in part, be related to adaptation to natural anorexia in incubating Silkie chickens.

In vivo measurement of enhanced agouti-related peptide release in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through Gs activation of agouti-related peptide neurons.

Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons of the hypothalamus play a role in hunger-triggered food intake, stability of body weight, and long-term energy balance. A recent study showed that activation of the Gs-linked G protein-coupled receptors (GCPR) expressed by hypothalamic AgRP neurons promotes a sustained increase in food intake. Enhanced AgRP release has been the postulated underlying mechanism. Here, we confirmed that activation of Gs-coupled receptors expressed by AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus, which is the primary brain region for the synthesis and release of AgRP, leads to increased release of AgRP in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). We were unable to confirm changes in AgRP expression or intracellular content using traditional histological techniques. Thus, we developed an assay to measure AgRP in the extracellular fluid in the brain using large molecular weight cut-off microdialysis probes. Our technique enables assessment of brain AgRP pharmacokinetics under physiological conditions and in response to specific pharmacological interventions designed to modulate AgRP signaling.

Ghrelin receptor in agouti-related peptide neurones regulates metabolic adaptation to calorie restriction.

Ghrelin is a gut hormone that signals to the hypothalamus to stimulate growth hormone release, increase food intake and promote fat deposition. The ghrelin receptor, also known as growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), is highly expressed in the brain, with the highest expression in agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurones in the hypothalamus. Compelling evidence indicates that ghrelin serves as a survival hormone with respect to maintaining blood glucose and body weight during nutritional deficiencies. Recent studies have demonstrated that AgRP neurones are involved in metabolic and behavioural adaptation to an energy deficit to improve survival. In the present study, we used a neuronal subtype-specific GHS-R knockout mouse (AgRP-Cre;Ghsrf/f ) to investigate the role of GHS-R in hypothalamic AgRP neurones in metabolic and behavioural adaptation to hypocaloric restricted feeding. We subjected the mice to a restricted feeding regimen of 40% mild calorie restriction (CR), with one-quarter of food allotment given in the beginning of the light cycle and three-quarters given at the beginning of the dark cycle, to mimic normal mouse intake pattern. The CR-fed AgRP-Cre;Ghsrf/f mice exhibited reductions in body weight, fat mass and blood glucose. Metabolic profiling of these CR-fed AgRP-Cre;Ghsrf/f mice showed a trend toward reduced basal metabolic rate, significantly reduced core body temperature and a decreased expression of thermogenic genes in brown adipose tissue. This suggests a metabolic reset to a lower threshold. Significantly increased physical activity, a trend toward increased food anticipatory behaviour and altered fuel preferences were also observed in these mice. In addition, these CR-fed AgRP-Cre;Ghsrf/f mice exhibited a decreased counter-regulatory response, showing impaired hepatic glucose production. Lastly, hypothalamic gene expression in AgRP-Cre;Ghsrf/f mice revealed increased AgRP expression and a decreased expression of genes in β-oxidation pathways. In summary, our data suggest that GHS-R in AgRP neurones is a key component of the neurocircuitry involved in metabolic adaptation to calorie restriction.

SUN-116 The Endogenous Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Increases Food Intake by Modulating the Expression of Neuropeptides in the Hypothalamus

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a pleiotropic neuropeptide which is involved in a variety physiological function. Regarding the appetite control, there are several reports that intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of PACAP to mice reduced food intake (Resch et al, 2011, 2013, 2014). On the other hand, food intake is decreased in PACAP knockout (KO) mice (Nakata et al, 2004). Thus, there is some discrepancy in the functional role of PACAP in energy homeostasis including appetite control. Since the mechanism how PACAP regulates appetite remains unknown, we attempted to elucidate how PACAP is involved in the regulation of appetite in terms of the relationship with other neuropeptides regulating appetite.To address this issue, we assessed the expression of several neuropeptide which is involved in appetite control in PACAP knockout (KO) mice, and by administration of PACAP antagonist, PACAP[6-38] which is specific for PAC1R and VPAC2R. At first, we confirmed that nocturnal and daily food intake of PACAP KO mice was significantly lower than those of wild-type (WT) mice. Then, we observed that in food consumption at 4, 8, or 24 hours of refeeding after fasting for 2 days, the food intake at 8 hours of the refeeding was significantly lower in PACAP KO mice than in the WT mice, that is, PACAP KO mice showed a decrease in food intake in the fasting/refeeding paradigm. On the other hand, PACAP mRNA level was increased significantly by fasting in the whole hypothalamus of WT mice. The ICV administration of a PACAP antagonist PACAP[6-38] (1 nmol) reduced the diurnal food intake of WT mice after 1, 2, 4 and, 24 hours of injection. Furthermore we also observed that the expression level of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) was decreased in PACAP KO mice but that of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) was increased in the hypothalamus of PACAP KO mice after refeeding for 4 hours. On the other hand, the expression of AgRP was down-regulated by the injection of PACAP[6-38] at 4 hours after refeeding in WT mice. Taken together, our study demonstrated that food intake in mice was enhanced by the endogenous PACAP not only in daily but also in fasting-refeeding paradigms via the modulation of neuropeptides AgRP and/or POMC in the mouse hypothalamus, indicating endogenous PACAP might upregulate appetite in concert with other neuropeptides controlling appetite.

Experimental Pediatric Obesity Impairs Central Control of Food Behavior

According to WHO in 2016, 41 million children in their frist5 years of age are either overweight or obese. Overweight and obese children have a higher risk to stay obese into adulthood and present more incidences to develop chronic diseases. The control of the food and energy intake is essentially controlled and integrated by hypothalamic neuropeptide with anorexigenic and orexigenic functions such as ‘cocaine‐and‐amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) co‐expressing neurons, which suppress feeding behavior or activation of agouti related‐peptide (AgRP) co‐expressing neurons that induces an increase in appetite response. Additionally to the peptides, specific receptors also play a key role in the control of the food behavior, such as 5‐HT1b and 5‐HT2c, acting regulating meal size and eating rate in association to the neuropeptides. Until the moment the effect of pediatric obesity and the expression of these neuropeptides and receptors remains to be more explored. Three days after delivery, the puppies were randomly assigned into two groups: Controls (nine pups per mother, n=6) or Overfed (three pups per mother, n=6). At 21 days, all male pups began to receive water and commercial chow ad libitum until 60 days of age. We evaluate body weight‐BW, 24 hours food intake‐FI, blood glucose and triglycerides levels, CART, AgRP, 5‐HT1b, and 5‐HT2c gene expression. Our data demonstrate that reduction in litter size induce the increase in BW since the seventh day of life and maintains until the sacrifice (7, 22, 60th, p&lt;0.001). Associated with BW, we observed an increase in FI in dark cycle (p&lt;0.01) and in light cycle (p&lt;0.05). Evaluating serum patterns, we verify an increase in glucose (p&lt;0.05) and in triglycerides (p&lt;0.001). At the molecular levels, we observe an impressive decrease in CART expression (p&lt;0.001) in the overfed group. Taken our data together, we suggest that neonatal overfed induce energetic disturb increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome in a possible mechanism mediated to alteration on neuropeptide signaling in the central control of food behavior.Support or Funding InformationFACEPE APQ grant #0164‐4.05/15; This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior ‐ Brasil (CAPES) ‐ Finance code 001This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.