Neuromedin U Neurons in the Edinger-Westphal Nucleus Respond to Alcohol Without Interfering with the Urocortin 1 Response.

ABSTRACT: The Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW) is a midbrain nucleus composed of a preganglionic, cholinergic subpopulation and a densely clustered peptidergic subpopulation (EWcp). The EWcp is one of the few brain regions that show consistent induction of FOS following voluntary alcohol intake. Previous results in rodents point to urocortin 1 (UCN1) as one of the peptides most involved in the control of ethanol intake and preference. Notably, the functions described for UCN1, such as reward processing, stress coping or the regulation of feeding behavior are similar to those described for the neuropeptide neuromedin U (NMU). Interestingly, NMU has been recently associated with the modulation of alcohol-related behaviors. However, little is known about the expression and functionality of NMU neurons in

SUBMITTER: Medrano M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11502588 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature