Activin A: Serum levels and immunohistochemical brain localization in rats given diets deficient in l-lysine or protein

When a l-lysine (Lys)-deficient diet is given to rats, Lys in plasma and brain declines and rats will then select a Lys solution from among other l-amino acids (AAs). The recording of single-unit activity in the lateral hypothalamic area of these rats suggested that neural plasticity occurred, speci...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Gespeichert in:
Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:Physiology & behavior 1993-09, Vol.54 (3), p.459-466
Hauptverfasser: Torii, K, Hanai, K, Oosawa, K, Funaba, M, Okiyama, A, Mori, M, Murata, T, Takahashi, M
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
Schlagworte:
Online-Zugang:Volltext
Tags: Tag hinzufügen
Keine Tags, Fügen Sie den ersten Tag hinzu!
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:When a l-lysine (Lys)-deficient diet is given to rats, Lys in plasma and brain declines and rats will then select a Lys solution from among other l-amino acids (AAs). The recording of single-unit activity in the lateral hypothalamic area of these rats suggested that neural plasticity occurred, specifically responding to the deficient nutrient, Lys, centrally and during ingestion of AA. Possible neurotrophic factors in serum from rats with or without deficiency of either protein or Lys was assayed by Hydra japonica. An increase in serum inhibin and activin A was observed in rats fed a Lys-sufficient and nonprotein diet, respectively. However, serum activin A-like activity was severely suppressed under Lys deficiency. Additionally, the immunohistochemical distribution of activin A in the brain was found in the nucleus tractus solitarius, the area postrema, and the arcuate nucleus. These facts indicate that ingestion of Lys-deficient or nonprotein diet caused a change in serum levels of activin A as a possible neurotrophic factor. This release may elicit plasticity in the sensitivity of neurons to deficient AA in the nuclei that could selectively drive ingestive behavior for its particular AA (e.g., Lys) to maintain AA homeostasis.
ISSN:0031-9384
1873-507X
DOI:10.1016/0031-9384(93)90236-9