Abstract
The neural pathways through which central serotonergic systems regulate food intake and body weight remain to be fully elucidated. We report that serotonin, via action at serotonin1B receptors (5-HT1BRs), modulates the endogenous release of both agonists and antagonists of the melanocortin receptors, which are a core component of the central circuitry controlling body weight homeostasis. We also show that serotonin-induced hypophagia requires downstream activation of melanocortin 4, but not melanocortin 3, receptors. These results identify a primary mechanism underlying the serotonergic regulation of energy balance and provide an example of a centrally derived signal that reciprocally regulates melanocortin receptor agonists and antagonists in a similar manner to peripheral adiposity signals.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Eating / drug effects
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Eating / physiology*
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Electric Stimulation
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred A
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Knockout
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Mice, Obese
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Mice, Transgenic
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Nerve Net / drug effects
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Nerve Net / physiology
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Neurons / drug effects
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Neurons / physiology*
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Pyridines / pharmacology
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Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 3 / physiology*
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Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4 / agonists
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Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4 / antagonists & inhibitors
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Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4 / physiology
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Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B / physiology*
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Receptors, Melanocortin / agonists
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Receptors, Melanocortin / antagonists & inhibitors
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Receptors, Melanocortin / physiology*
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Serotonin / pharmacology
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Serotonin / physiology*
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Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists
Substances
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CP 94253
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Mc3r protein, mouse
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Pyridines
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Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 3
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Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4
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Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B
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Receptors, Melanocortin
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Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists
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Serotonin