Synaptic release of GABA by AgRP neurons is required for normal regulation of energy balance

Q Tong, CP Ye, JE Jones, JK Elmquist… - Nature neuroscience, 2008 - nature.com
Q Tong, CP Ye, JE Jones, JK Elmquist, BB Lowell
Nature neuroscience, 2008nature.com
The physiologic importance of GABAergic neurotransmission in hypothalamic neurocircuits
is unknown. To examine the importance of GABA release from agouti-related protein (AgRP)
neurons (which also release AgRP and neuropeptide Y), we generated mice with an AgRP
neuron–specific deletion of vesicular GABA transporter. These mice are lean, resistant to
obesity and have an attenuated hyperphagic response to ghrelin. Thus, GABA release from
AgRP neurons is important in regulating energy balance.
Abstract
The physiologic importance of GABAergic neurotransmission in hypothalamic neurocircuits is unknown. To examine the importance of GABA release from agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons (which also release AgRP and neuropeptide Y), we generated mice with an AgRP neuron–specific deletion of vesicular GABA transporter. These mice are lean, resistant to obesity and have an attenuated hyperphagic response to ghrelin. Thus, GABA release from AgRP neurons is important in regulating energy balance.
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