AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus control the release of endogenous lysophospholipids, helping to control the excitability of cerebral cortex neurons and stimulating the desire for food intake.
Findings reveal sparse chemical connectivity as a generalized feature of the hypothalamus circuitry.
Researchers used optogenetics techniques to stimulate specific brain areas to increase neurogenesis and the production of neural stem cells to improve memory, cognition, and emotional processing in animal models.
Hypothalamic neurons directly detect variations in bacterial activity and adapt appetite and body temperature accordingly. The findings demonstrate a direct dialog occurs between the brain and the gut microbiota.
Ingested non-essential amino acids curb appetite and promote movement in mouse models.
Microglia dysfunction in those who experienced early life adversity prompts an aberrant stress response during adulthood that may be linked to mental illness.
Hypersexual disorder, or sex addiction, in males is associated with higher levels of oxytocin within the blood.
Fathers who have more positive attitudes about their parenting abilities, and fatherhood in general, show differences in their brains to those who don't, researchers report.
A new mouse study reveals the impact of air pollution on male fertility. Researchers report air pollution reduces sperm count in mice by inducing inflammation in specific brain areas.
Daily release of glucocorticoids depends on coordination between the clock gene and activity rhythms of neurons within two parts of the hypothalamus.
Study reveals the precise hypothalamic neurons associated with mating motivation in mice. The findings could lead to new treatments for psychiatric disorders which do not impact libido.
Researchers identified the mechanisms in which neuro-immune processes trigger brain signals to instruct immune functions in visceral fat stores. The findings could pave the way for new treatments for obesity.
