The lateral hypothalamus: A site for integration of nutrient and fluid balance

Gertjan van Dijk*, Simon S. Evers, Stefano Guidotti, Simon N. Thornton, Anton J. W. Scheurink, Csaba Nyakas

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)
85 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This paper reviews seemingly obligatory relations between nutrient and fluid balance. A relatively novel neuronal pathway involving interplay between acetylcholine and the melanocortins, alpha MSH and AGRP in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) of the hypothalamus projecting to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) may bridge this gap. In the fasted condition, increased expression of MCH (due to muscarinic-3 receptor stimulation and low melanocortin tone) and neuronal release of MCH (via Orexin signaling) underlies a drive towards positive energy balance, increased B cell capacity to secrete insulin, and this is associated with optimal fluid homeostasis. A hypohydrated state is hypothesized to yield downregulation of leptin signaling (potentially via inhibitory effects of osmotic stress on mTOR), but osmotic stress may prevent MCH expression via the OVLT-SFO complex. If this occurs in an obese state, impaired pancreatic B cell capacity and peripheral insulin insensitivity as a result of hypohydration may underlie cardio-metabolic diseases. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)481-487
Number of pages7
JournalBehavioral Brain Research
Volume221
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10-Aug-2011

Keywords

  • Body water
  • Drinking
  • Feeding
  • Osmotic stress
  • Obesity
  • Insulin
  • MELANIN-CONCENTRATING HORMONE
  • IBOTENIC ACID LESIONS
  • METHYL-D-ASPARTATE
  • FOOD-INTAKE
  • BODY-WEIGHT
  • CHOLINERGIC STIMULATION
  • SUBFORNICAL ORGAN
  • ARCUATE NUCLEUS
  • ACETYLCHOLINE-RELEASE
  • DEHYDRATION ANOREXIA

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