Effects of chronic stress on neural pathways involved in feeding
Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate the activation of neural pathways due to emotional stress on feeding signaling. Immunohistochemical localization of Fos alone and with MC4R, GLP1R, and AgRP was performed in the PVN, ARC, and LH (hypothalamic regions which mediate stress and/or feeding responses) of acutely or repeatedly restrained rats (versus unstressed controls). Fos significantly increased in acutely stressed rats, with habituation following repeated stress exposure. PVN neurons co-expressing Fos with MC4R, GLP1R or AgRP were not significantly different across groups. Expression of these neuropeptides in stress-sensitive neurons in the ARC seemed more altered in acutely stressed rats, whereas the modulations of these neuropeptide's expression in stress-sensitive neurons of repeatedly stressed rats seemed greater in the LH. The results suggest stress may affect the control of feeding by causing more orexigenic signaling. This signaling occurs in a region-specific manner and is enhanced in repeated stress.
Subject Area
Neurology
Recommended Citation
Chagra, Samantha Lee, "Effects of chronic stress on neural pathways involved in feeding" (2007). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1449731.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1449731