Changes in gene expressions of hypothalamic neuropeptides controlling feeding behaviors in bilateral nephrectomized rats

Involvement of the Orexinergic System in Feeding

“…In pinealectomized animals, it was found that the hypothalamic expression of orexin was increased, but when these animals were treated with melatonin, such expression was reduced [93] (Table 3). In bilateral nephrectomized rats, food intake decreased significantly, and it was reported that hypothalamic mRNA level of orexin was lower in bilateral nephrectomized rats than in sham-operated animals [95]. This finding suggests that orexin could be involved in the development of anorexia in bilateral nephrectomized rats (Table 3).…”

“…Orexinergic system: mediation of age-related deficits in behavioral/neurochemical mechanisms of feeding Rat [90] Prazosin: motivational response of food consumption through orexinergic system Rat [91] Animals lacking dynorphin peptides: decrease in orexin A hypothalamic level Mouse [92] Increased orexin hypothalamic expression in pinealectomized animals Rat [93] Orexin A: improved glucose control by protecting beta-cells from apoptosis and by increasing the sensitivity to insulin Rat [94] Bilateral nephrectomized animals: orexin involved in anorexia development Rat [95] In the central nucleus of the amygdala, the administration of orexin A increases gastric motility and palatable food intake; in addition, the lateral hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area are also involved in the intake [81] (Table 3). It was reported that orexin, in the posterior paraventricular thalamus (which receives a strong orexinergic innervation), regulates hunger-related signals in the nucleus accumbens core [82] and that the peptide increases the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens shell by sucrose feeding [83] (Table 3).…”