Jackson C. Bittencourt vendégprofesszor előadása

Az előadás absztraktja angolul, ahogy az előadás nyelve is angol lesz

The Melanin-Concentrating Hormone [MCH] is an important neuropeptide, implied in a plethora of functions. It’s better-understood role is as an orexigenic peptide, since acute injections of MCH induce an increase in food consumption. MCH-immunoreactive [MCH-ir] fibers are found diffusely distributed through almost all the Central Nervous System. In stark opposition, MCH synthesis and its precursor messenger RNA [ppMCH mRNA] expression are restricted, in mammals, to neurons localized in two different hypothalamic regions: the lateral hypothalamic area [LHA] and the incerto-hypothalamic area [IHy]. Exclusively during the lactation period, MCH-ir neurons and ppMCH mRNA are detected in new hypothalamic territories, as the ventromedial preoptic area [vmMPOA]. MCH synthesis in this region rises as the lactation progresses, reaching its peak at the final stage [around the 19^th-21^st days] when it then disappears. The origin of these cells is still unknown. A possible explanation to this phenomenon is the de novo appearance of cells in this region, which would characterize neurogenesis in the adult hypothalamus of lactating female rats. However, it should be considered also the possibility of neuroplasticity of those cells already existing there, but synthesizing MCH periodically.