Regulation of Central Melanocortin Signaling by Interleukin-1β

• DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0017
• Publication Date: 2007-05-25T10:55:27Z
• Authors: Jarrad M. Scarlett; Erin E. Jobst; Pablo J. Enriori; Darren D. Bowe; Ayesha K. Batra; Wilmon F. Grant; Michael A. Cowley; Daniel L. Marks
• Keywords: Proopiomelanocortin; Proinflammatory cytokine; Melanocortins; Energy homeostasis

Anorexia and involuntary weight loss are common debilitating complications of a number chronic diseases inflammatory states. Proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, hypothesized to mediate these responses through direct actions on the central nervous system. However, neural circuits which proinflammatory cytokines regulate food intake energy balance remain be characterized. Here we report that IL-1β activates melanocortin system, key neuronal circuit in regulation homeostasis. Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons arcuate nucleus hypothalamus (ARC) were found express type I IL-1 receptor. Intracerebroventricular injection induced expression Fos protein ARC POMC but not commissural tractus solitarius. We further show increases frequency action potentials stimulates release α-MSH from hypothalamic explants dose-dependent fashion. Collectively, our data support model signaling by activating subpopulation stimulating their α-MSH.