Discrete TrkB-expressing neurons of the dorsomedial hypothalamus regulate feeding and thermogenesis
Jessica Houtz, Guey‐Ying Liao, Juan Ji An, Baoji Xu
Abstract
Significance Neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus that express TrkB (DMH TrkB ) have been implicated in the regulation of appetite; however, their relevance to energy expenditure is less clear. This study reveals that activation of DMH TrkB neurons potently induce thermogenesis and locomotor activity. Notably, increased energy expenditure mediated by DMH TrkB neurons is not accompanied by increased heart rate or blood pressure, which have traditionally complicated weight loss therapies that target thermogenesis. Furthermore, our results reveal separate populations of DMH TrkB neurons that form diverging neurocircuits to either the raphe pallidus or the paraventricular hypothalamus and preoptic area to independently regulate thermogenesis or feeding, respectively. These findings support a mechanism whereby DMH TrkB neurons act through multiple pathways to promote weight loss without adverse cardiovascular consequences.