The anterior insular cortex unilaterally controls feeding in response to aversive visceral stimuli in mice.

ABSTRACT: Reduced food intake is common to many pathological conditions, such as infection and toxin exposure. However, cortical circuits that mediate feeding responses to these threats are less investigated. The anterior insular cortex (aIC) is a core region that integrates interoceptive states and emotional awareness and consequently guides behavioral responses. Here, we demonstrate that the right-side aIC CamKII⁺ (aIC^CamKII) neurons in mice are activated by aversive visceral signals. Hyperactivation of the right-side aIC^CamKII neurons attenuates food consumption, while inhibition of these neurons increases feeding and reverses aversive stimuli-induced anorexia and weight loss. Similar manipulation at the left-side aIC does not cause significant behavioral changes.

SUBMITTER: Wu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6994462 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature