Activation of ventral tegmental area neurotensin Receptor-1 neurons promotes weight loss.

ABSTRACT: Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) modulate physical activity and feeding behaviors that are disrupted in obesity. Yet, the heterogeneity of VTA DA neurons has hindered determination of which ones might be leveraged to support weight loss. We hypothesized that increased activity in the subset of VTA DA neurons expressing neurotensin receptor-1 (NtsR1) might promote weight loss behaviors. To test this, we used Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) to activate VTA NtsR1 neurons in normal weight and diet-induced obese mice. Acute activation of VTA NtsR1 neurons (24hr) significantly decreased body weight in normal weight and obese mice by reducing food intake and increasing physical activity. Moreover, daily activation of VTA NtsR1 neurons

SUBMITTER: Perez-Bonilla P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8410659 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature