In a recent study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience , researchers investigate the role of hypocretin/orexin neurons (HONs) in temptation-resistant voluntary exercise (TRVE). Study: Orexin neurons mediate temptation-resistant voluntary exercise. Image Credit: ViDI Studio / Shutterstock.
com The neurology of obesity Obesity is a major public health issue worldwide, with many individuals under-exercising and overconsuming highly palatable foods (HPF). The neurological mechanisms that may be involved in the exercise-HPF consumption association remain unclear despite chronic HPF overconsumption being shown to adversely influence cognitive and neural measures. The lateral hypothalamic region is involved in motivation; however, its involvement in controlling food intake and calorie balance is unknown.
Lateral hypothalamic HONs release neurotransmitters called orexins/hypocretins, which activate particular G-protein-based receptor molecules throughout the brain. About the study In the current study, researchers use murine models to investigate the role of orexin and HONs on the decision to exercise or eat. The influence of pharmacological or optogenetic interruption of HON activity on exercise or HPF intake was also examined in multiple-choice settings.
Voluntary-type wheel running was used to model human health-promoting exercise. During ten-minute trials, mice were offered eight alternatives, including a wheel to run on and a "milkshake bar" with a strawberry-flavored mil.