Hypothalamic appetite-regulating neuron

Hypothalamic appetite-regulating neurons comprise multiple, molecularly distinct populations located primarily in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), paraventricular, dorsomedial, ventromedial, and lateral hypothalamic areas. Key neuronal subtypes include POMC/CART-expressing (anorexigenic) neurons and NPY/AgRP-expressing (orexigenic) neurons, which integrate peripheral metabolic and hormonal signals (such as leptin, insulin, ghrelin, GLP-1, and CCK) to regulate feeding and energy homeostasis. These neurons project to and receive input from other hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic centers, orchestrating the balance between hunger and satiety, and are implicated in obesity, eating disorders, and metabolic diseases. This term describes a neuronal category and not a discrete molecular therapeutic target in the classical pharmacological sense.

Other names

Appetite-regulating neurons of hypothalamusHypothalamic feeding-regulating neuronsHypothalamic circuits of appetite control

Drugs modulate signaling of peripheral hormones (leptin, ghrelin, insulin) or neurotransmitters (NPY, AgRP, POMC-derived peptides, CART, orexin) affecting these neurons to alter satiety/appetite signals