Laboratory of Neurophysiology
Our Research Group studies how peripheral signals regulate neuronal circuits that control different physiological and behavioral responses. For this purpose, we perform a variety of in vivo studies with genetically and pharmacologically manipulated rodent models, and in vitro studies with primary cultures of neurons. Currently, we are studying the central actions of two important hormones: leptin and ghrelin. Leptin is secreted by adipocytes while ghrelin is mainly produced by endocrine cells of the stomach and duodenum. These two hormones act at central level to affect neuroendocrine axes, autonomous nervous system activity, energy balance regulation, and food reward-related behaviors, among others. Leptin and ghrelin have opposite roles in many of these functions. For instance, leptin inhibits food intake while ghrelin increases it. Some central actions of leptin and ghrelin have been extensively studied. Thus, the neuronal mechanisms by which these hormones affect food intake are well established. In contrast, other central actions of leptin and ghrelin have not been thoroughly investigated. Currently, we are analyzing the physiological significance, the neuronal pathways and the cellular mechanism by which ghrelin and leptin regulate different neuronal populations.
> Ghrelin and food reward. We have recently reported that ghrelin enhances the rewarding value of high fat diet. However, the specific neuronal circuits that mediate ghrelin’s action on reward-based eating behaviors remain mostly uncharacterized. In particular, we are testing whether CRF-producing neurons of the central amygdala are part of the circuit regulated by ghrelin to affect food reward.
> Leptin and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Leptin has been shown to directly regulate some neuronal populations located in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. However, specific neuronal populations affected by leptin and the physiological significance of this direct action remain unclear. Thus, we are currently trying to identify neurons of the paraventricular nucleus that are sensitive to leptin and elucidate their role.
STAFF:
PERELLÓ, Mario - Researcher CONICET, Head.
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CABRAL, Agustina - Doctoral Fellow CICPBA (Directors: Dr. Perelló and Dr. M.O.Suescun-Laboratory of Reproduction Endocrinology).
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VALDIVIA TORRES, Lesly S. - (Director: Dr. Perelló)
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QUIROGA, Cintia Y. - (Director: Dr. Perelló)
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