Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus: Identification of Novel Players and Mechanisms Controlling Energy Homeostasis (A07*+)

在下丘脑弓状核（ARC）中，AgRP和NPY共表达神经元快速促进食物摄入，降低能量消耗，而POMC神经元驱动饱腹感逐渐发生，增加能量消耗。外源性大麻素（如四氢大麻酚）激活大麻素1型受体（CB1），尽管个体处于饱腹状态，但仍会引起强烈的进食反应。该项目解决了两个主要问题：(1)局部内源性大麻素是否影响POMC和AgRP/NPY神经元以维持生理条件下的能量稳态？(2)弓形核中慢性不平衡的内源性大麻素信号是否与代谢紊乱的发生和维持有关？

In the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), AgRP and NPY co-expressing neurons rapidly promote food intake and decrease energy expenditure, while POMC neurons drive gradual onset of satiety and increase energy expenditure. Activation of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) by exogenous cannabinoids, such as THC, provokes a robust feeding response, despite the respective individual resides in a state of satiety. This project addresses two major questions: (1) Do local endocannabinoids affect POMC and AgRP/NPY neurons in order to maintain energy homeostasis under physiological conditions? (2) Is chronically imbalanced endocannabinoid signaling in the arcuate nucleus relevant for onset and maintenance of metabolic disorders?