Gene profiling reveals a role for stress hormones in the molecular and behavioral response to food restriction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Food restriction is known to enhance learning and motivation. The neural mechanisms underlying these responses likely involve alterations in gene expression in brain regions mediating the motivation to feed.

Methods

Analysis of gene expression profiles in male C57BL/6J mice using whole-genome microarrays was completed in the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and the hypothalamus following a 5-day food restriction. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to validate these findings and determine the time course of expression changes. Plasma levels of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression changes were measured in adrenalectomized animals that underwent food re

SUBMITTER: Guarnieri DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3237832 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature