Central effects of neuromedin U in the regulation of energy homeostasis.
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a brain-gut peptide whose peripheral activities are well-understood but whose central actions have yet to be clarified. The recent identification of two NMU receptors in rat brain has provided a springboard for further investigation into its role in the central nervous system. Intracerebroventricular administration of NMU to free-feeding rats decreased food intake and body weight. Conversely, NMU increased gross locomotor activity, body temperature, and heat production. NMU, a potent endogenous anorectic peptide, serves as a catabolic signaling molecule in the brain. Further investigation of the biochemical and physiological functions of NMU will help our better understanding of the mechanisms of energy homeostasis.
Nakazato
M
M
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki Medical College, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan. nakazato@post.miyazaki-med.ac.jp
Hanada
R
R
Murakami
N
N
Date
Y
Y
Mondal
M S
MS
Kojima
M
M
Yoshimatsu
H
H
Kangawa
K
K
Matsukura
S
S
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects*; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008124:Locomotion / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D022722:Thermogenesis / Q000187:drug effects
D009479:Neuropeptides; C056900:neuromedin U