The hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) circuitry is a key regulator of feeding behavior. NPY also acts in the mesolimbic dopaminergic circuitry, where it can increase motivational aspects of feeding behavior through effects on dopamine output in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and on neurotransmission in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Endogenous NPY in the NAc originates from local interneurons and afferent projections from the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc). However, the origin of endogenous NPY in the VTA is unknown. We determined, in normal-weight male Wistar rats, if the source of VTA NPY is local, and/or whether it is derived from VTA-projecting neurons. Immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization and RT-qPCR were utilized, when appropriate in combination with colchicine treatment or 24 hr fasting, to assess NPY/Npy expression locally in the VTA. Retrograde tracing using cholera toxin beta (CTB) in the VTA, fluorescent immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to determine NPY-immunoreactive afferents to the VTA. NPY in the VTA was observed in fibers, but not following colchicine pretreatment. No NPY- or Npy-expressing cell bodies were observed in the VTA. Fasting for 24 hr, which increased Npy expression in the Arc, failed to induce Npy expression in the VTA. Double-labeling with CTB and NPY was observed in the Arc and in the ventrolateral medulla. Thus, VTA NPY originates from the hypothalamic Arc and the ventrolateral medulla of the brainstem in normal-weight male Wistar rats. These afferent connections link hypothalamic and brainstem processing of physiologic state to VTA-driven motivational behavior.
Pubmed ID: 30950054 RIS Download
Publication data is provided by the National Library of Medicine ® and PubMed ®. Data is retrieved from PubMed ® on a weekly schedule. For terms and conditions see the National Library of Medicine Terms and Conditions.
Cell line PC12 is a Cancer cell line with a species of origin Rattus norvegicus
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets IgG
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets IgG
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets Rabbit IgG (H+L)
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Aminoacids 27-52 of porcine Pro-opiomelanocortin peptide
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Neuropeptide Y
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets Tyrosine Hydroxylase
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets Rabbit IgG (H+L)
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets IgG
View all literature mentionsThis unknown targets IgG
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Neuropeptide Y
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets Tyrosine Hydroxylase
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Neuropeptide Y
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Aminoacids 27-52 of porcine Pro-opiomelanocortin peptide
View all literature mentionsThis monoclonal targets Tyrosine Hydroxylase
View all literature mentionsThis polyclonal targets Neuropeptide Y
View all literature mentions