Neurodynamics of feeding behavior

进食行为的神经动力学

• 批准号: 327597-2011
• 负责人: Timofeeva, Elena
• 金额: $ 1.75万
• 依托单位: Université Laval
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2013-01-01 至 2014-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=527026
• 关键词: Neurodynamics; feeding; behavior

I am interested in understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms of motivational states. In the proposed study we will investigate the neuronal dynamics that re-direct rats' feeding behavior from seeking of regular chow to highly palatable food (sweet sucrose solution). Sucrose-seeking rats decrease their intake of chow while dramatically escalating intake of sucrose. It is commonly accepted that appetite is regulated by the hypothalamus. However, hedonic aspect of feeding depends on the activity of the brain reward system. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is an important component of the reward system. The PFC projects to the lateral hypothalamus (LH), which is activated in the sucrose- but not chow-seeking rats. Conversely, the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), which receives the input from the LH, is activated in the chow- but not sucrose-seeking animals. We hypothesize that dynamics in activation within the hypothalamus, which occur during transition from the regular- to palatable-food-oriented behaviour, depend on the signals originated in the PFC. The proposed experiments will investigate (a) the dynamics of real-time neuronal activity in the PFC, LH, and DMH in the chow- and sucrose-seeking rats; (b) the neuromorphology and neurochemistry of the connections between the PFC and the hypothalamus, and (c) the role of the PFC in the hypothalamic activation in the chow- and sucrose-seeking rats. The current proposal is designed to investigate the neuronal substrate and the dynamic functions of the neuronal distributed network involved in the food-motivated behavior. To achieve this objective, we will use the methods of molecular biology (in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry), in vivo electrophysiological techniques, and morphological methods (light and electron microscopy). The proposed study will provide an exceptional opportunity for training. The students will investigate the basic organization and functional dynamics of the neuronal network using a multitude of state-of-the-art research techniques. Their training will occur in the outstanding environment of the research center (CRIUCPQ) with multiple local and international collaborations.

我有兴趣了解动机状态的神经生理学机制。在拟议的研究中，我们将研究将大鼠的进食行为从寻求常规食物转向高度适口的食物（甜蔗糖溶液）的神经元动力学。寻求蔗糖的老鼠减少了食物的摄入量，同时急剧增加了蔗糖的摄入量。人们普遍认为食欲是由下丘脑调节的。然而，喂养的享乐方面取决于大脑奖励系统的活动。前额皮质（PFC）是奖励系统的重要组成部分。 PFC 投射到外侧下丘脑 (LH)，该区域在寻找蔗糖的大鼠中被激活，但在寻找食物的大鼠中未被激活。相反，接收来自 LH 的输入的下丘脑背内侧 (DMH) 在进食动物中被激活，但在寻找蔗糖的动物中则不然。我们假设下丘脑内的激活动态（发生在从常规食物导向行为到可口食物导向行为的转变过程中）取决于源自 PFC 的信号。拟议的实验将研究 (a) 寻求食物和蔗糖的大鼠 PFC、LH 和 DMH 中实时神经元活动的动态； (b) PFC 和下丘脑之间连接的神经形态学和神经化学，以及 (c) PFC 在寻求食物和蔗糖的大鼠下丘脑激活中的作用。目前的提案旨在研究涉及食物驱动行为的神经元基质和神经元分布式网络的动态功能。为了实现这一目标，我们将使用分子生物学方法（原位杂交和免疫组织化学）、体内电生理技术和形态学方法（光学和电子显微镜）。拟议的研究将为培训提供难得的机会。学生将使用多种最先进的研究技术来研究神经网络的基本组织和功能动力学。他们的培训将在具有多个本地和国际合作的研究中心 (CRIUCPQ) 的优越环境中进行。