Morphofimctional analysis ofGalanin-lice Peptide on regulation offeeding and enegy metabolism

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The hypothalamus plays a critical role in regulation of feeding behavior, energy metabolism and reproduction. A novel peptide discovered in porcine hypothalamus has 60 amino acid peptide and a non-amidated C-terminus. Since a portion of this peptide is homology with galanin, it is named galanin-like peptide (GALP). GALP is mainly produced in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. GALP acts in the central nervous system, where it is involved in the regulation of feeding behavior. GALP-producing neurons were shown to make neuron networks with several feeding related peptide-producing neurons in the hypothalamus. Since GALP controls food intake and energy balance, it is possible that GALP is an important factor in development of obesity. Furthermore, we have succeeded to make transgenic (Tg) mice that express enhanced green fluorescence (EGFP) in GALP-containing neurons and also to make Tg mice that express EGFP in afferent GALP neurons in brain. As a result, we have first shown that GALP-containing neurons make synaptic input from the pyriform cortex and amygdala. Therefore, GALP may involve in feeding behavior, energy metabolism and reproduction, further studies on the morphology and function of GALP should continue to demonstrate further the understanding in brain function.