Blood-to-brain communication in the hypothalamus for energy intake regulation

The arcuate nucleus (Arc) integrates circulating hormonal and metabolic signals to control energy expenditure and intake. One of the most important routes that enables the Arc to sense circulating molecules is through the median eminence (ME), which lacks a typical blood-brain barrier. However, the...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neurochemistry international 2019-09, Vol.128, p.135-142
Main Authors: Morita-Takemura, Shoko, Wanaka, Akio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angiogenesis
Animals
Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus - blood supply
Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus - metabolism
Blood-brain barrier
Blood-Brain Barrier - metabolism
Energy Intake - physiology
Ghrelin
Humans
Hypothalamus - blood supply
Hypothalamus - metabolism
Insulin
Leptin
Median Eminence - blood supply
Median Eminence - metabolism
Tanycytes
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The arcuate nucleus (Arc) integrates circulating hormonal and metabolic signals to control energy expenditure and intake. One of the most important routes that enables the Arc to sense circulating molecules is through the median eminence (ME), which lacks a typical blood-brain barrier. However, the mechanism by which circulating molecules reach the Arc neurons remains unclear. This review focuses on what is known to date regarding the special structure and permeability of the ME vasculature and active transport of circulating molecules from the ME to the Arc. Recent studies have demonstrated that the ME displays angiogenic behavior that is expected to provide high vascular permeability. Parenchymal diffusion of circulating molecules from the ME vasculature is size-dependent, and tanycytes actively transport circulating molecules from the ME to the Arc. Finally, we highlight structural plasticity of the Arc and ME as playing an important role in maintaining energy balance homeostasis. •The Arc has access to circulating molecules through the ME, which lacks a typical BBB.•The ME vasculature not only lacks a BBB, but also displays angiogenic behavior.•Size-dependent vascular permeability of the ME and active transport by tanycytes should enable circulating molecules to reach the Arc neurons.•The Arc and ME undergo structural modification to maintain energy homeostasis.
ISSN:0197-0186
1872-9754
DOI:10.1016/j.neuint.2019.04.007