The role of melanin concentrator hormone (MCH) in the lateral hypothalamus/perifornical area (LH/PFA) and locus coeruleus (LC) in the ventilatory response to hypercapnia in rats during wakefulness and sleep

• Grant number: 18/01781-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2019
• End date: June 30, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - General Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Mirela Barros Dias
• Grantee: Laísa Taís Cabral Rodrigues Xavier
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/04216-8 - Neural mechanisms involved in the diurnal variation of the central chemoreflex control, AP.JP

Abstract

Central chemoreception is a mechanism performed by the brain which is capable of detecting changes in CO2/pH levels and promoting corrections of these parameters through adjustments in lung ventilation. There are many putative chemosensitive sites, including the Lateral Hypothalamus/Peripheral Area (LH/PFA). The chemosensitive function of this region has been attributed to orexinergic neurons and its activity seems to be influenced by the inhibitory modulation exerted by a neuropeptide produced by neurons of the same region, the melanin concentrating hormone (MCH). It is known that in addition to establishing synapses within the LH/PFA, MHCergic neurons also send projections to other chemosensitive nuclei such as the Retrotapezoid Nucleus (RTN) and Locus Coeruleus (LC), but it not known, so far, the role of these synaptic interactions in the hypercapnic ventilatory response. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the role of MCHergic neurotransmission, via MCH-R1 receptors, in LH/PFA and Locus Coeruleus in the hypercapnic ventilatory response and body temperature in rats during wakefulness and sleep, in the light and dark phase of the cycle diurnal. For this purpose, we will measure EEG, EMG, body temperature and pulmonary ventilation of non-anesthetized Wistar rats before and after the microinjection of MCH or the MCH-1 receptor antagonist bilaterally in the LH/PFA or Locus Coeruleus, during room air followed by hypercapnia (7%CO2). (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DIAS, MIRELA B.; RODRIGUES, LAISA T. C.; GARGAGLIONI, LUCIANE H.. Melanin -Concentrating Hormone (MCH) Decreases the Hypercapnic Ventilatory Response by Acting in the Lateral Hypothalamic Area (LHA). FASEB JOURNAL, v. 36, p. 1-pg., 2022-01-01. (19/17693-5, 18/01781-0)

RODRIGUES, LAISA T. C.; PATRONE, LUIS GUSTAVO A.; GARGAGLIONI, LUCIANE H.; DIAS, MIRELA B.. Melanin-concentrating hormone regulates the hypercapnic chemoreflex by acting in the lateral hypothalamic area. Experimental Physiology, v. 107, n. 11, p. 14-pg., 2022-08-22. (19/17693-5, 18/01781-0)