The proglucagon-derived peptide, glucagon-like peptide-2, is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of food intake

Nat Med. 2000 Jul;6(7):802-7. doi: 10.1038/77535.

Abstract

The dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus harbors leptin sensitive neurons and is intrinsically connected to hypothalamic nuclei involved in feeding behavior. However, it also receives ascending input from the visceroceptive neurons of the brainstem. We have identified a unique glucagon-like-peptide-2 containing neuronal pathway connecting the nucleus of the solitary tract with the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. A glucagon-like-peptide-2 fiber plexus targets neurons expressing its receptor within the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. Pharmacological and behavioral studies confirmed that glucagon-like-peptide-2 signaling is a specific transmitter inhibiting rodent feeding behavior and with potential long-term effects on body weight homeostasis. The glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor antagonist, Exendin (9-39) is also a functional antagonist of centrally applied glucagon-like-peptide-2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Conditioning, Operant
  • Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Nucleus / drug effects
  • Drinking / drug effects
  • Eating / drug effects*
  • Glucagon / metabolism*
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 2
  • Hypothalamus / anatomy & histology
  • Male
  • Neuropeptide Y / pharmacology
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / pharmacology*
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology
  • Peptides / genetics
  • Peptides / isolation & purification
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Proglucagon
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / biosynthesis
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Taste

Substances

  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 2
  • Neuropeptide Y
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Peptides
  • Protein Precursors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos
  • exendin (9-39)
  • Proglucagon
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
  • Glucagon