Comparison of ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus growth hormone-releasing hormone neuron counterregulatory neurochemical marker gene expression in young adult versus middle-aged male and female rats.

ABSTRACT: Aging impairs glucose counterregulatory function by unknown mechanisms. Ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus/dorsomedial division (VMNdm) growth hormone-releasing hormone (Ghrh) neurons control counterregulation through Ghrh-modulated discharge of structurally diverse co-expressed neurochemicals. Current research used gene silencing and single-cell laser-catapult-microdissection/multiplex qPCR tools to investigate whether aging alters eu- and/or hypoglycemic patterns of co-produced counterregulatory-inhibiting (γ-aminobutyric acid) or -stimulating (Ghrh; glutamate; nitric oxide) neurotransmitter marker genes in this cell population. Data document basal Ghrh mRNA diminution in older, i.e., middle-aged rats of each sex and age-specific Ghrh transcriptional responses to hypoglycemia in females.

SUBMITTER: Shrestha R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12478093 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature