The role of orexinergic hypothalamic neurons in the depressive-like behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide in dominant and subordinate mice

• Grant number: 13/19666-9
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Effective date (Start): November 15, 2013
• Effective date (End): November 14, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal researcher: João Palermo Neto
• Grantee: Daniel Wagner Hamada Cohn
• Supervisor abroad: Stephen Patric Kent
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Research place: La Trobe University, Australia

Abstract

The role of orexinergic hypothalamic neurons in the depressive-like behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide in dominant and subordinate mice Orexins are brain derived peptides originated in the hypothalamus. They are implicated in feeding behavior regulation, arousal, and control of motivational systems. More recently, orexin has been shown to be related to depression and sickness behavior regulation. This project aims at investigating the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in the activation of hypothalamic orexinergic neurons in dominant and subordinate mice, which have been shown to respond differentially to LPS. Activation of orexinergic neurons will be assessed by double staining for immunoreactivity to orexin and c-fos, an indicador of increased neuronal activity. Moreover the neuroprotective effects of calorie restriction and antidepressant treatment will also be investigated. (AU)