Scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles discovered that activation of special vgat PAG cells in the periaqueductal gray matter of the midbrain encourages the body to seek food even when full. The results of scientists’ research shared In the journal Nature Communications (Nat Com).
Scientists studying the brain activity of laboratory mice found that the search for additional food after being full is caused by the activity of special vgat PAG cells. It turns out that with fear and anxiety in rodents, the activity of the periaqueductal gray matter, a collection of nerve cells under the brain’s aqueduct, which is anatomically related to the midbrain tegmentum, may increase.
Stimulation of the entire area of periaqueductal gray matter triggers the activity of a specific cluster of PAG neurons called vgat PAG cells. Artificial stimulation of the vgat PAG of mice with laser radiation confirmed the scientists’ hypothesis. When exposed to light, vgat PAGs were activated, causing well-fed rodents to panic, actively tracking all moving objects and going after live crickets.
Researchers explained that humans have a similar food-seeking mechanism because the functional properties of brain cells are similar to those of mice. Vgat PAG cells are also found in the brainstem of humans. According to scientists, their activation or constant hyperactivity can lead to the abuse of fatty and sweet foods even under satiety conditions.
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