Serotonergic pathways converge upon central melanocortin systems to regulate energy balance.
Multiple lines of research provide compelling support for an important role for central serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and melanocortin pathways in the regulation of food intake and body weight. In this brief review, we outline data supporting a model in which serotonergic pathways affect energy balance, in part, by converging upon central melanocortin systems to stimulate the release of the endogenous melanocortin agonist, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Further, we review the neuroanatomical mapping of a downstream target of alpha-MSH, the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), in the rodent brain. We propose that downstream activation of MC4R-expressing neurons substantially contributes to serotonin's effects on energy homeostasis.
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 4, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
Ligang
L
Zhou
Todd
T
Williams
Jennifer L
JL
Lachey
Toshiro
T
Kishi
Michael A
MA
Cowley
Lora K
LK
Heisler
D000818:Animals; D001111:Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000502:physiology; D044105:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4 / Q000502:physiology; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000502:physiology*
D020738:Leptin; D044105:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin; D000521:alpha-MSH