Cannabinoids drive feeding through AgRP neurons
Brain Research, vol.1865, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 1865
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.brainres.2025.149857
- Journal Name: Brain Research
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Animal Behavior Abstracts, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, Psycinfo, Veterinary Science Database
- Keywords: Endocannabinoid system, CB1 receptor, AgRP neurons, Food intake, Anxiety, Electrophysiology, Optogenetics
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system regulates energy balance and feeding behavior, primarily through cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1Rs). While CB1R activation is known to increase food intake, the role of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) in this process remains unclear. Using slice electrophysilogy we found that the CB1R agonist ACEA reduced inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in AgRP neurons. Ablating AgRP neurons diminished the hyperphagic and anxiolytic effects of CB1R agonist ACEA, suggesting that intact AgRP neuron circuits are necessary. Conversely, CB1R antagonism in AgRP-ablated mice increased food intake, suggesting compensatory mechanisms. These results suggest that cannabinoid action on the synapses on AgRP neurons may contribute its feeding regulatory actions.