Effects of blockers of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism on expression of mRNA of some hypothalamic neuropeptides

The effects of single injections of 2-deoxyglucose or 2-mercaptoacetate on the expression of mRNA of neuropeptide Y, pro-opiomelanocortin, and melanin-concentrating hormone in rat hypothalamus were studied by in situ hybridization in order to elucidate the role of these neuropeptides in the mechanisms of alimentary behavior caused by decreased levels of available fatty acids and glucose. The levels of neuropeptide Y mRNA in arcuate nuclei neurons are significantly increased under conditions of glucose deficiency, while the synthesis of melanin-concentrating hormone in the lateral hypothalamic neurons is increased in fatty acid deficiency. These data indicate that glyco- and lipodeprivation are different metabolic signals activating various neuropeptide systems responsible for alimentary behavior.