Neuroscientists at the University of Michigan have found that obese mice have a different brain function when they consume glucose compared to non-obese mice. The results of the research were published at: magazine Journal of Neurochemistry.
Previously, scientists had identified differences in nucleus accumbens between mice prone to and resistant to obesity. This part of the brain is responsible for motivation and is involved in the reward system and the formation of pleasure and addiction.
“These brain motivational centers evolved to help us survive, find food, and reproduce. But today, when there’s enough food, it’s starting to interfere with us. It’s easier for people to drop a serving of broccoli and eat sweet or french fries. The result is obesity. In our study, they were prone to overeating and obesity.” “We set out to detect potential differences in the brains of animals with and without animals.”
Sugar is the main energy source for the brain. Once inside, the sugar molecule is already broken down into smaller elements that feed the neurons.
As part of the study, the scientists fed two groups of mice glucose and then watched how the brain consumed the sugar. They found that it took longer for glucose to reach the nucleus accumbens of obese animals. Additionally, they found excessive levels of glutamate, which excites neurotransmitters.
“From this it follows that brain activity differs between obese and non-obese rats. We will likely be able to observe the same patterns in humans,” the researchers said.
Source: Gazeta
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