Elucidation of the function of neuroestrogen on feeding behavior.

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K16172
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Endocrinology
• Research Institution: Fujita Health University
• Principal Investigator: Hayashi Takanori 藤田医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (40724315)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: エストロゲン / 食欲 / ニューロエストロゲン / アロマターゼ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the nerve cells of the brain, estrogen is locally and independently produced, and is involved in various physiological functions. The estrogen synthesized in nerve cells is called neuroestrogen. It is distinguished from estrogen supplied from the ovary and other tissues, and is studied independently.
Although the appetite-suppressing effect of estrogen is clear, the relationship between neuroestrogen and appetite is unknown. So, a detailed analysis was performed using the mouse hypothalamic nerve cell line N38. As a result, it was revealed that in the hypothalamus, neuroestrogens independently act on the appetite regulating nerves to suppress appetite.

Free Research Field

生化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により，独自に調節されているニューロエストロゲンが直接視床下部神経で作用していることが明らかになった。今回のようにエストロゲンとニューロエストロゲンを区別して研究して解析することで，ニューロエストロゲンの神経伝達物質様作用を明らかにすることで，これまで治療困難であった過食，拒食，イライラ食いなどの予防・治療開発につなげたいと考えている。