Activation of Serotonin 2C Receptors in Dopamine Neurons Inhibits Binge-like Eating in Mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neural networks that regulate binge eating remain to be identified, and effective treatments for binge eating are limited.

Methods

We combined neuroanatomic, pharmacologic, electrophysiological, Cre-lox, and chemogenetic approaches to investigate the functions of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2C receptor (5-HT_2CR) expressed by dopamine (DA) neurons in the regulation of binge-like eating behavior in mice.

Results

We showed that 5-HT stimulates DA neural activity through a 5-HT_2CR-mediated mechanism, and activation of this midbrain 5-HT→DA neural circuit effectively inhibits binge-like eating behavior in mice. Notably, 5-HT medications, including fluoxetine, d-fenfluramine, and lorcaserin (a selective 5-HT_2CR agonist), act on 5-H

SUBMITTER: Xu P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5148733 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature