Plasticity of brain feeding circuits in response to food

Abstract

Feeding and energy expenditure are regulated by neuronal circuits of the brain. Feeding, by definition, occurs in most mammals during waking mandating a tight relationship between systems regulating sleep/wake cycles and energy metabolism. This is accomplished not only by neuronal interactions between brain regions responsible for these functions, but also by sharing intracellular and intercellular signaling modalities. Peripheral hormones associated with energy metabolism not only affect the brain structures that have been classically associated with endocrine and autonomic functions, but also alter the function of higher brain regions, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. A better understanding of the mechanism of feeding behavior and energy expenditure associated with brain structures will also enhance our ability to combat disorders such as diabetes and obesity, which are among the most prevalent medical problems of both developed and developing societies.