Endocrine Abstracts

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a major regulatory centre of energy homeostasis by possessing the unique capability of simultaneously controlling endocrine axes, water balance and autonomic functions. It receives neuronal information form orexigenic and anorexigenic cell groups of the basal hypothalamus that monitor peripheral metabolic signals (leptin, insulin, ghrelin, glucose, glucocorticoids) and also from brainstem centers relaying sensory information fr...

During the last two decades attention has been focused on the role of different neuropeptides in hypothalamic control of feeding behavior. Se-veral hypothalamic peptides that participate in the control of ingestive behavior are produced in neuronal cell bodies of the arcuate nucleus and/or the lateral hypothalamic area. Apart from producing orexigenic or anorexigenic compounds of peptidergic nature, it has recently become apparent that these neurons also produce several classi...

Significant advancements have been made in the last century regarding the neuronal control of feeding behavior and energy expenditure. The effects and mechanism of action of various peripheral metabolic signals on the brain have become clearer. Molecular and genetic tools for visualizing and manipulating individual components of brain homeostatic systems in combination with neuroanatomical, electrophysiological, behavioral and pharmacological techniques have begun to elucidate...

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