Research Project
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
Food intake activated oxytocin neurones in the hypothalamus. Activation of oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus in response to food intake was impaired in PrRP-deficient mice. Food intake facilitates peripheral CCK release.Peripheral administration of CCK activates oxytocin neurons. Activation of oxytocin neurons following peripheral CCK administration was also significantly reduced in PrRP-deficient mice. Oxytocin neurons have been shown to have anti-stress actions. Activation of the PrRP neuron-oxytocin neuron pathway following food intake may contribute to anxiolitic actions of food intake.
