The sympathetic nervous system and obesity: role in aetiology and treatment.
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is an important component of the autonomic nervous system, and thus plays a major role in the maintenance of homeostasis. The SNS is of particular importance in the control of the cardiovascular system and of a number of metabolic processes. Alterations in SNS effects on metabolism have been implicated in the development and maintenance of obesity, and the SNS is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of obesity. This review provides an overview of the anatomical and physiological aspects of the SNS, before considering the evidence showing a role for the SNS in the development or treatment of obesity.
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, 725 W Lombard St. Rm. S-413, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. ssnitker@medicine.umaryland.edu
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Snitker
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Macdonald
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Ravussin
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Astrup
D001481:Basal Metabolism; D004032:Diet; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015430:Weight Gain