Abstract
Background
Neural networks that regulate binge eating remain to be identified, and effective treatments for binge eating are limited.
Methods
We combined neuroanatomic, pharmacologic, electrophysiological, Cre-lox, and chemogenetic approaches to investigate the functions of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) expressed by dopamine (DA) neurons in the regulation of binge-like eating behavior in mice.
Results
We showed that 5-HT stimulates DA neural activity through a 5-HT2CR-mediated mechanism, and activation of this midbrain 5-HT→DA neural circuit effectively inhibits binge-like eating behavior in mice. Notably, 5-HT medications, including fluoxetine, d-fenfluramine, and lorcaserin (a selective 5-HT2CR agonist), act on 5-HT2CRs expressed by DA neurons to inhibit binge-like eating in mice.
Conclusions
We identified the 5-HT2CR population in DA neurons as one potential target for antibinge therapies, and provided preclinical evidence that 5-HT2CR agonists could be used to treat binge eating.
Neural networks that regulate binge eating remain to be identified, and effective treatments for binge eating are limited.
Methods
We combined neuroanatomic, pharmacologic, electrophysiological, Cre-lox, and chemogenetic approaches to investigate the functions of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) expressed by dopamine (DA) neurons in the regulation of binge-like eating behavior in mice.
Results
We showed that 5-HT stimulates DA neural activity through a 5-HT2CR-mediated mechanism, and activation of this midbrain 5-HT→DA neural circuit effectively inhibits binge-like eating behavior in mice. Notably, 5-HT medications, including fluoxetine, d-fenfluramine, and lorcaserin (a selective 5-HT2CR agonist), act on 5-HT2CRs expressed by DA neurons to inhibit binge-like eating in mice.
Conclusions
We identified the 5-HT2CR population in DA neurons as one potential target for antibinge therapies, and provided preclinical evidence that 5-HT2CR agonists could be used to treat binge eating.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 737-747 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Biological Psychiatry |
Volume | 81 |
Issue number | 9 |
Early online date | 9 Jun 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 May 2017 |
Keywords
- binge eating
- dopamine
- lorcaserin
- receptor
- neuron
- serotonin
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Lora Heisler
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health - Chair in Human Nutrition
Person: Academic