Mapping Projections from Hypothalamic POMC Neurons
Author Information
Author(s): King Connie M., Hentges Shane T.
Primary Institution: Colorado State University
Hypothesis
Do POMC neurons in different areas of the arcuate nucleus innervate discrete target sites?
Conclusion
POMC neurons project to various brain regions, but only a small fraction of them innervate any individual target site.
Supporting Evidence
- Less than 10% of POMC neurons were labeled with tracer injected into any target area.
- Significant variability in the number of cells labeled when CTB was injected into different sites.
- Only a small fraction of POMC neurons projects to each hypothalamic target site.
Takeaway
Some brain cells that help control hunger send messages to different parts of the brain, but not many of them connect to each area.
Methodology
Fluorescent microspheres and cholera toxin B were used to retrogradely label POMC neurons in POMC-DsRed transgenic mice.
Limitations
The low number of labeled cells and variability between subjects limit the ability to detect small differences.
Participant Demographics
Male POMC-DsRed transgenic mice, 8 weeks old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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