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Hypothalamic Nuclei
Hypothalamic Nuclei
The Hypothalamus and the Dorsal Vagal complex together are involved
in the regulation of appetite and hence the fat mass. While the Lateral
Hypothalamic nucleus along with the peri-fornical area is implicated in
positive energy balance (increased appetite), Brain Res. 1993 Dec
10;630(1-2):41-9 the paraventricular (PVN), dorsomedian (DMN), and
paramedian (PMN) nuclei are involved in circuitry that decrease
appetite. Signalling between these two different sets of nuclei are
integrated by the Arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. The Arcuate
nucleus is conveniently located at the floor of the third ventricle in an
area without the blood brain barrier. This facilitates signalling from the
peripheries (intestines and adipose tissue) to reach the relevant nuclei
via the Arcuate nucleus.
Thus, while some hypothalamic nuclei sense and relay energy status,
other nuclei send signals to initiate appetite. But motor activity need to
be initiated to respond to this appetite with resultant food
procurement. Food stimulates dopamine release in the nucleus
accumbens from neurons that project from the ventromedial nucleus to
the nucleus accumbens. This dopamine release in the nucleus
accumbens is thought to play a role in behavioural modification with
motor responses that aim to facilitate appetite quenching through
quest for food and food ingestion. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 1999
Dec;31(1):6-41. The Nucleus Accumbens contains a high density of
CB1 (Cannabinoid receptor-1) receptors, through which endogenous
cannabinoids may influence feeding related activity. The central
nucleus of amygdala is being increasingly recognised to be important
in ingestive responses. Direct projections from the nucleus of
amygdala to the PVN have been described, as well as connections with
the Nucleus of tractus solitarius and DMV (dorsal motor nucleus of
vagus). J Comp Neurol. 1984 Mar 20;224(1):1-24.