Hypothalamic control of food intake

Abstract

The hypothalamus is a critical brain structure important for autonomic function, including the regulation of energy metabolism, glucose metabolism, appetite and adiposity. This hypothalamic control of energy metabolism is a highly complex system that involves the central sensation, coordination and integration of peripherally derived nutrients and hormones. These central hypothalamic processes are then translated into neurochemical code, conveyed through the autonomic nervous system (ANS), to innervate peripheral target tissues. In this manner, negative feedback from the periphery to the hypothalamus maintains energy metabolism in equilibrium, ie energy intake is matched to energy expenditure. In terms of energy metabolism, a disturbance in negative feedback from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS) can cause significant metabolic disease such as obesity and diabetes. This chapter focuses on the hypothalamic control of appetite, with particular focus on neuroendocrine feedback regulation of energy and glucose metabolism. Finally, this chapter examines how dysfunctional hypothalamic circuits contribute to metabolic disease such as obesity and diabetes