Discrete TrkB-expressing neurons of the dorsomedial hypothalamus regulate feeding and thermogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Mutations in the TrkB neurotrophin receptor lead to profound obesity in humans, and expression of TrkB in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) is critical for maintaining energy homeostasis. However, the functional implications of TrkB-fexpressing neurons in the DMH (DMH^TrkB) on energy expenditure are unclear. Additionally, the neurocircuitry underlying the effect of DMH^TrkB neurons on energy homeostasis has not been explored. In this study, we show that activation of DMH^TrkB neurons leads to a robust increase in adaptive thermogenesis and energy expenditure without altering heart rate or blood pressure, while silencing DMH^TrkB neurons impairs thermogenesis. Furthermore, we reveal neuroanatomically and functionally distinct populations of DMH^T

SUBMITTER: Houtz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7848633 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature