Neuroanatomical organization and functional roles of PVN MC4R pathways in physiological and behavioral regulations.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN), an integrative center in the brain, orchestrates a wide range of physiological and behavioral responses. While the PVN melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) signaling (PVN^MC4R+) is involved in feeding regulation, the neuroanatomical organization of PVN^MC4R+ connectivity and its role in other physiological regulations are incompletely understood. Here we aimed to better characterize the input-output organization of PVN^MC4R+ neurons and test their physiological functions beyond feeding.

Methods

Using a combination of viral tools, we mapped PVN^MC4R+ circuits and tested the effects of chemogenetic activation of PVN^MC4R+ neurons on thermoregulation, cardiovascular control,

SUBMITTER: Singh U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8689242 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature