Analysis of function of GABAB systems in the arcuate nucleus in energy balance

我们利用Cre-loxP系统建立了在POMC神经元中特异性敲除GABA_B受体基因的小鼠。与野生型小鼠相比，从4周龄开始喂食高脂饲料12周后，基因敲除小鼠的附睾白脂肪组织重量和体重都增加了。此外，与野生型小鼠相比，基因敲除小鼠的血胰岛素和瘦素水平都有所提高。因此，我们的数据表明，POMC神经元中的GABA_B受体在预防肥胖的发生和发展中起着重要作用。

We have made mice in which GABA_B receptor gene is knocked out exclusively in the POMC neurons using Cre-loxP system. The weight of epididymal white adipose tissues as well as body weight was increased in the knock-out mice compared to wild-type mice when they were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks from the age of 4 weeks. In addition, the levels of blood insulin and leptin were increased in the knockout mice compared to wild-type mice. Thus, our data suggest that GABA_B receptors in the POMC neurons play an important role in preventing the onset and progress of obesity.