Endocrine Abstracts

Glucocorticoids are widely prescribed therapeutic agents, however long term treatment can cause increased morbidity from adverse metabolic events, including weight gain and hyperglycaemia. The mechanisms and site of action which underpin these side-effects are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to characterise phenotypic, biochemical and neurohormonal responses in mice administered corticosterone, with a particular focus on changes seen in the early stages of chro...

Glucocorticoids (Gcs) are widely prescribed to treat a number of conditions, such as arthritis and asthma. However, patients receiving Gcs often develop metabolic complications such as obesity and hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms in the hypothalamus which drive these adverse effects. Male C57BL/6J mice were given ad libitum access to either corticosterone (CORT; 75 μg/ml) or vehicle (V; 1% ethanol) in their drinkin...

Background and objective: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide and it is known that intra-uterine experience can program metabolic disorders. The hypothalamic appetite regulatory system is a key target of developmental programming by maternal nutrition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal overnutrition on the expression of hypothalamic genes controlling energy homeostasis.Research design: Eight week ol...

Glucocorticoid (Gc) excess, either endogenously produced (Cushing’s syndrome) or as a result of exogenous steroid treatment, can cause metabolic disorders such as obesity and hyperglycaemia. The contribution of centrally acting corticosterone in the development of these metabolic disorders is unknown. Gcs regulate the anorexigenic and orexigenic neuropeptides (POMC and AgRP) within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus to modulate energy balance. This study investigated...