The role of NPY in the DMH in energy balance

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Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a substance occurring naturally in the brain. The hypothalamus is one of the most important brain regions involved in the regulation of appetite. When injected directly into the hypothalamus, NPY causes dramatic hunger and obesity. NPY is found in two areas of the hypothalamus, the ARC and the DMH. ARC NPY powerfully stimulates appetite. However, the role of NPY in the DMH in the regulation of appetite is unknown. In obesity, NPY levels are decreased in the ARC but increased in the DMH. My pilot data suggests NPY in the DMH acts to reduce body weight. I will therefore determine the role of NPY in the DMH in the control of food intake and body weight. I hypothesise that NPY in the DMH is important in the regulation of appetite. I will investigate this by increasing and decreasing NPY in the DMH using gene therapy techniques. I will then study the effects of these alterations by measuring food intake, body weight and energy expenditure. These studies offer a possible exciting new insight into the control of appetite and body weight.