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Biomedical subjects

B G Stanley

Publications and source records attributed to B G Stanley.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Peptide-amine interactions in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus: analysis of galanin and neuropeptide Y in relation to feeding.

The neuropeptide galanin (GAL) has been found to elicit feeding after injection into the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), where it coexists with norepinephrine (NE), a neurotransmitter believed to be important in the control of natural feeding behavior. Using pharmacological tools, this study investigated the possibility that PVN GAL influences food intake via its direct interaction with the noradrenergic system localized in this nucleus. Tests with alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers demonstrated that GAL-induced feeding, similar to NE-stimulated feeding, depends specifically upon functional alpha 2-receptor sites. Further, experimentation with the catecholamine synthesis inhibitors, alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine and Fla-63, suggested that GAL's action also depends upon the release of endogenous NE. This is in contrast to another hypothalamic peptide, neuropeptide Y, which is also a strong stimulant of food intake and coexists with NE in the PVN. Neuropeptide Y remains effective in eliciting feeding in the presence of alpha 2-receptor antagonists and catecholamine-synthesis inhibitors, suggesting that, unlike GAL, it can act independently of endogenous NE.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Suppression of neuropeptide Y-elicited eating by adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy: reversal with corticosterone.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) injected into the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVN) stimulates a robust eating response in the satiated rat. To examine whether the NPY-feeding system interacts with the pituitary-adrenal axis, the eating response to PVN injections of NPY (78 pmol) was tested in adult male rats before and after sham surgery, adrenalectomy (ADX), hypophysectomy (HYPX), and/or corticosterone (CORT) replacement therapy. In unoperated or sham groups, NPY elicited 5.7-8.8 g of food intake in 1 h as compared to 0.4-1.1 g for vehicle-injected animals. In ADX groups, the NPY-elicited response was reduced by 60-71%, to between 2.4 and 2.8 g. Likewise, the average response of the HYPX group was reduced by 69%, to 1.7 g. Corticosterone replacement, via subcutaneous implant of a 100 mg CORT pellet, normalized the NPY-induced feeding response in both the ADX and HYPX groups. These findings suggest that the hypothalamic NPY-feeding system is largely dependent upon circulating CORT and that no other adrenal or pituitary hormone is essential.

Animals↗

Patterns of extracellular norepinephrine in the paraventricular hypothalamus: relationship to circadian rhythm and deprivation-induced eating behavior.

In order to clarify the physiological role of norepinephrine (NE) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), changes in extracellular levels of endogenous NE were measured in 11 freely-moving rats using microdialysis and high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. To determine whether there was a circadian pattern of extracellular NE in freely-eating subjects, samples of dialysate from the vicinity of the PVN were collected and assayed for NE every 2 hrs for 48 hrs. The pattern of NE averaged across subjects was similar during both 24-hr periods, with a reliable peak at the beginning of the dark cycle and relatively stable levels at all other times. When these animals were subsequently deprived of food for 24 hrs, a gradual rise in extracellular NE was observed, ultimately increasing to 215% of the predeprivation level. When the animals were refed and NE measurements were continued at more frequent intervals, extracellular levels were found to decline during the first 20 min of eating, as well as over the next 3 hrs as food intake diminished. These patterns of extracellular NE, together with previous evidence, suggest that endogenous NE in the PVN plays a role in the initiation and/or maintenance of normal eating behavior at the beginning of the nocturnal feeding period, as well as after food deprivation.

Animals↗

Repeated hypothalamic stimulation with neuropeptide Y increases daily carbohydrate and fat intake and body weight gain in female rats.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), repeatedly injected in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), produces dramatic obesity and overeating in female rats maintained on a single nutritionally complete diet. In the present study, we investigated whether these effects could also be obtained in animals with a choice of three pure macronutrients: protein, carbohydrate, and fat. Female rats with indwelling PVN cannulas were injected with NPY (235 pmol) or its saline vehicle every 8 hr for 6 days. A third group was left undisturbed. Consumption of each macronutrient and body weight were measured every 24 hr for 6 days preinjection, 6 days during injections, and 21 days after the injections were terminated. Relative to vehicle or preinjection rates of body weight gain (approximately 1.5 g/day), NPY dramatically enhanced weight gain to a rate of 9.3 g/day and more than doubled total daily food intake. This augmentation was accounted for by increases in carbohydrate intake (+26.4 kcal/day) and fat intake (+48.5 kcal/day), with no significant potentiation of protein consumption. When the NPY injections were terminated, body weight and macronutrient intake returned to control levels within 1 or 2 weeks. These findings are consistent with a role for NPY in hypothalamic mechanisms of macronutrient intake and body weight regulation and suggest that disturbances in brain NPY may contribute to the development of eating and weight disorders.

Animals↗

Patterns of extracellular 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVN): relation to circadian rhythm and deprivation-induced eating behavior.

Daily rhythms in extracellular levels of the serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were examined in the region of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), using intracerebral microdialysis combined with high performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection. Samples of PVN dialysate, from 11 rats on a 12/12 hr light/dark cycle, were collected and assayed for 5-HIAA every 2 hr for 3 days. During the first 2 days the rats were given free access to food. During the 3rd day they were deprived of food for a 24-hr period and then given food for 4 hr. The results showed that in freely-feeding rats, there was a 24-hr rhythm in the levels of 5-HIAA, with a marked transient peak just after the beginning of the dark portion of the light/dark cycle and stable levels at all other times. When the animals were food-deprived, PVN levels of this metabolite remained stable, and the early dark peak was abolished, suggesting that it might have been consequent to the eating behavior which normally occurred at this time. In the 4-hr refeeding period, there were no changes in 5-HIAA levels, despite the intense eating behavior which occurred during this time. These patterns of 5-HIAA in the PVN region, taken together with previous evidence, suggest that PVN serotonin metabolism may increase in association with feeding specifically in the early portion of the nocturnal eating period, when it may play a role in controlling food intake and macronutrient selection.

Animals↗

Multiple brain sites sensitive to feeding stimulation by opioid agonists: a cannula-mapping study.

Evidence suggests that brain opioid receptors of the mu, delta and kappa subtypes may be involved in the control of feeding behavior. However, limited information is available regarding the specific anatomical location of these feeding relevant opioid receptors. To address this problem, we microinjected three opioid agonists, morphine, (D-Ala2)-Met-enkephalinamide (DALA) or MR 2034, into one of 15 different brain areas and measured the subsequent feeding responses of satiated rats. Morphine (25 nmol) and DALA (6.8 nmol) both elicited strong feeding responses from the same five brain areas, namely, the paraventricular, dorsomedial and lateral hypothalamus, as well as from sites within the septum and amygdala. No other brain sites yielded significant responses to these opioid receptor agonists. In contrast to this anatomically specific pattern of effects, the opioid agonist MR 2034 (8.6 nmol) produced a feeding response which was generally smaller in magnitude and had little anatomical specificity. These findings suggest that opioid receptor systems for stimulating feeding exist in multiple discrete brain areas. Of the regions tested, specific sites within the hypothalamus, septum and amygdala are distinguished as being most sensitive to feeding stimulation by morphine and DALA.

Animals↗

A small, removable microdialysis probe.

A miniaturized, concentric, microdialysis probe is described. It is constructed from 36 gauge stainless steel tubing inside of 26 gauge tubing, with a cellulose hollow fiber tip 0.2 mm in diameter and 2 mm long. It has a 6000 molecular weight cut off that excludes enzymes but collects monoamines, their metabolites, and other small neurochemicals. In vitro tests show relative recovery rates of 5-10%. Absolute recovery measured in picograms was independent of the perfusate flow rate inside the probe. Tests in awake rats with probes in the nucleus accumbens showed stable amounts of catecholamines and metabolites collected during repeated 20 min samples. After ip amphetamine, release of dopamine in the accumbens increased from 20 to 40 pg per sample while DOPAC and HVA decreased from about 1500 to 500 pg. Tests of multiple site sampling succeeded in obtaining norepinephrine and dopamine plus three metabolites (DOPAC, HVA and 5HIAA) from four probes simultaneously in four different brain sites in each rat. Five day continuous samples or monthly intermittent samples can be obtained with this microdialysis probe.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Flexor tendon injuries: late solution. Therapist's management.

Tenolysis and staged flexor tendon reconstruction are two viable alternatives in managing flexor tendon injuries when primary repair is unsatisfactory or no longer indicated. Successful results depend upon postoperative management that influences scar formation, encourages motion, and restores function. Close cooperation between the surgeon, therapist, and patient is essential for optimal results.

Exercise Therapy↗

Suppression of norepinephrine-elicited feeding by neurotensin: evidence for behavioral, anatomical and pharmacological specificity.

Neurotensin (NT) injected into the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) has been shown to suppress feeding behavior. To investigate whether this suppression generalizes to feeding elicited by norepinephrine injection, rats with bilateral PVN cannulas were injected with NT (3.0 nmol/cannula) or vehicle followed by norepinephrine (20.0 nmol/cannula). Pretreatment with NT caused a 48% reduction in feeding elicited by norepinephrine. To determine whether NT's effect resulted from non-specific behavioral effects or leakage into the periphery, NT (0.25, 1.25 or 6.0 nmol) was injected ipsilateral or contralateral to a unilateral norepinephrine (40.0 nmol) injection. Ipsilateral NT produced a dose-dependent suppression of norepinephrine-elicited feeding which was significantly greater than the effect of contralateral NT, suggesting that NT's effect was at least partially behaviorally and anatomically specific. To investigate the pharmacological specificity of the suppression, rats that ate in response to PVN norepinephrine (40.0 nmol) were given prior injections of NT or one of six NT fragments at 0.25, 1.25, 6.0 or 30.0 nmol. NT and the C-terminal fragments 3-13 and 6-13 caused a dose-dependent suppression of feeding. In contrast, none of the N-terminal fragments (i.e. 1-8, 1-11 or 1-12) were effective. This specificity rules out non-specific changes in parameters such as pH or osmotic pressure and suggests that the anorectic effect may have been mediated by NT receptors.

Animals↗

Feeding and drinking elicited by central injection of neuropeptide Y: evidence for a hypothalamic site(s) of action.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which exists in very high concentrations in the brain, has been shown to elicit a powerful feeding response and a small drinking response in satiated rats. In order to delineate the brain sites sensitive to these effects, NPY was injected through chronic guide cannulas into seven different brain regions, and the food and water intake of satiated rats was measured one hr postinjection. Injection of NPY (78 pmoles) into hypothalamic areas, namely the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), and lateral hypothalamus (LH), elicited a strong feeding response; in contrast, injections into extra-hypothalamic areas, namely the amygdala, thalamus, and periaqueductal gray, were completely ineffective. Administration of NPY into the PVN and VMH also elicited a small drinking response; however, all other areas, including the LH, were insensitive to this effect. The findings that NPY was effective in the hypothalamus, as opposed to sites anterior, posterior, lateral or dorsal to this structure, suggest a hypothalamic site(s) of action for this neuropeptide.

Animals↗

Neuropeptide Y injected in the paraventricular hypothalamus: a powerful stimulant of feeding behavior.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) was injected directly into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) of satiated, brain-cannulated rats, and food and water intake were measured 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 22 hr postinjection. NPY (24, 78, 235, 783, and 2351 pmol/0.3 mul) produced a large, dose-dependent increase in food intake as well as small increase in water intake. The latency to eat was about 10 min, with substantial feeding occurring in the first 30 min. At dose below 78 pmol, the eating generally occurred only within the first hour. At doses above 235 pmol, however, the subjects' food intake continued to increase such that by 4 hr postinjection they had consumed the equivalent of normal 22-hr intake, and 22 hr postinjection they had also eaten significantly more than control subjects. Previous studies have shown that norepinephrine injected into the PVN stimulates feeding through alpha-adrenergic receptors. To investigate a possible interaction, subjects were given PVN injections of phentolamine (60 nmol) prior to injections of either NPY (78 pmol) or norepinephrine (20 nmol). Phentolamine pretreatment significantly decreased feeding elicited by norepinephrine without affecting feeding elicited by NPY. This suggests that NPY does not stimulate feeding through the release of endogenous norepinephrine. The powerful stimulation of feeding elicited by this neuropeptide suggests an important role for hypothalamic NPY, or a structurally related peptide, in the regulation of feeding behavior.

Animals↗

Neuropeptide Y: stimulation of feeding and drinking by injection into the paraventricular nucleus.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a peptide contained within numerous presynaptic terminals in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), was injected directly into the PVN of satiated, brain-cannulated rats, and food and water intake were measured 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 hrs postinjection. Neuropeptide Y (24 and 78 pmoles/0.3 microliter isotonic saline) caused a dose-dependent increase in food intake, as well as a small, dose-dependent increase in water intake. This effect on feeding occurred even when food was not presented until 4 hrs postinjection. To determine the behavioral specificity of this effect, the impact of PVN injection of NPY (78 pmoles) on various behaviors was observed. With food available, only feeding and drinking behavior were affected. No change in other behaviors, including grooming, rearing, sleeping, resting or different levels of activity, was observed. With food absent, NPY still elicited drinking, suggesting that this is a primary effect, rather than secondary to the feeding. In addition to drinking, NPY reliably increased activity while decreasing sleep and grooming. These results suggest an important role for hypothalamic NPY, or a structurally-related peptide, in the regulation of feeding and drinking behavior.

Animals↗

Self-injection of amphetamine directly into the brain.

Rats learned to self-administer d-amphetamine (10 micrograms/microliter) through a cannula implanted in the nucleus accumbens. They responded more frequently for 65 +/- 15 nl of amphetamine than for equal amounts of saline. When presented with two levers (one amphetamine, one blank) they responded more on the correct lever for amphetamine. They would also switch levers, when necessary, to maintain access to the drug. When half the usual drug intake was given automatically, animals reduced their response rate by half, thus self-regulating the total amount of amphetamine they received. In tests for leakage into the ventricles, eight rats that self-injected with an accumbens cannula showed response extinction when switched to a ventricular cannula. We conclude that amphetamine self-injected into the accumbens is a positive reinforcer. This localization of 'amphetamine reward' suggests that the nucleus accumbens contains a synaptic mechanism underlying amphetamine abuse and, perhaps, also natural reinforcement of behavior.

Animals↗

Disproportionate increases in locomotor activity in response to hormonal and photic stimuli following regional neurochemical depletions of serotonin.

The role of forebrain serotonin in behavior-related energy output was assessed in two locomotor activity tests conducted 3 and 6 months after bilateral, intrahypothalamic microinfusion of the serotonin neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT). The serotonin-depleted animals exhibited a long-lasting and stable increase in energy expenditure as locomotor activity. This increased activity was investigated at the behavioral level by relating the hyperactivity to estrous cycle, photoperiod and body weight. Although the serotonin depletion-induced hyperactivity occurred in all photoperiod and estrous cycle stages, its magnitude was disproportionately increased during light and estrus. This hyperactivity could not be related to decreases in body weight because the serotonin-depleted animals weighed significantly more than the control animals. These animals responded to the weight loss that normally accompanies wheel running by increasing their activity to the same proportion as the other groups. The neuroanatomical and neurochemical substrate of the increased locomotor activity was investigated with a regional neurochemical assay for serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This assay revealed that the toxin had no effect on dopamine or norepinephrine in any structure analyzed; however, serotonin was depleted in the hippocampus, septum and, to a lesser degree, in the hypothalamus. Serotonin levels were negatively correlated with overall activity. The magnitude of the disproportionate increase in activity during light and estrus was negatively correlated with hippocampal serotonin level. These results indicate that forebrain depletions of serotonin differentially affect the control of activity exerted by the phases of the photoperiod and estrous cycle. However, the modulation of activity levels by decreases in body weight remains intact.

Animals↗

Increased food intake, body weight, and adiposity in rats after regional neurochemical depletion of serotonin.

Long-term changes in food and water intake, body weight, and skeletal growth were assessed following bilateral hypothalamic microinfusions of the serotonergic neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT). The analysis of ingestive behavior included assessment of photoperiodic effects and responsivity to alterations in dietary composition. The neuroanatomical and neurochemical selectivity of the serotonergic depletion was documented by regional spectrofluorometric analysis for serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The results indicated that norepinephrine and dopamine were not depleted in the brain areas examined. However, substantial depletion of serotonin occurred in the septum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus of the 5,7-DHT (12 microgram) group. During feeding of a high-fat diet, the serotonin-depleted group exhibited a long-lasting and stable hyperphagia which led to an increase in body weight. This hyperphagia occurred during both phases of the photoperiod but was disproportionately distributed, occurring to a greater extent in the light phase. Because body weight increased in the absence of increased skeletal growth or intestinal weight, it is concluded that the increased body weight reflected increased adiposity. The serotonin-depleted group also exhibited an essential light-phase hyperdipsia, increasing water intake above that which would be accounted for by the light-phase hyperphagia. Because the light-phase hyperdipsia was counterbalanced by a dark-phase hypodipsia, there was no change in the 24-hour water intake. The hyperphagia exhibited by the 5,7-DHT (12 microgram) group was associated with both hippocampal and hypothalamic serotonergic depletion. The results of this investigation provide the first clear evidence of an inhibitory role of serotonin in food intake and point to the importance of maximizing both neurochemical and neuroanatomical selectivity in such investigations.

Animals↗