Abstract
β-Endorphin (β END) and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), neuropeptides derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC), have opposite effects on eating behavior. We injected rats with α-MSH (0.6 nmol) or β-END (I nmol) into the PVN (three times in a 26 h period). These doses of α-MSH and β-END decreased and increased feeding respectively. Following α-MSH administration into the PVN, mRNA levels of POMC decreased by 17%, whereas there was no significant change in gene expression of either proDynorphin or proEnkephalin. PVN injection of β-END failed to alter gene expression of POMC, proDynorphin or proEnkephalin. These data suggest that a feedback pathway exists between the PVN and ARC for α-MSH and POMC, but not for β-END and POMC.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 497-500 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Neuroreport |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 25 2002 |
Keywords
- ARC
- Feeding
- POMC
- PVN
- α-MSH
- β-END