Spatial pattern of distribution and reproductive strategy of vermiculate electric-rays Narcine vermiculatus.

In the study, the authors evaluate the spatial distribution pattern of vermiculate electric-ray Narcine vermiculatus using geostatistical techniques to predict its spatial distribution and indicate its reproduction strategy. From January 2008 to December 2009, 3333 specimens of vermiculate electric-ray were caught. Total length (L ), sex, maturity stage, catch location and depth were recorded for each specimen.

CB1 receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus modulate the release of 5-HT and GABA to stimulate food intake in rats.

Endocannabinoids and their receptors not only contribute to the control of natural processes of appetite regulation and energy balance but also have an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity. CB1 receptors (CB1R) are expressed in several hypothalamic nuclei, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), where induce potent orexigenic responses. Activation of CB1R in the PVN induces hyperphagia by modulating directly or indirectly orexigenic and anorexigenic signals; however, interaction among these mediators has not been clearly defined.

Effect of prebiotics of Agave salmiana fed to healthy Wistar rats.

Background: Inulin and other fructans are synthesized and stored in mezcal agave (Agave salmiana). Fructans provide several health benefits and have excellent technological properties, but only few data report their physiological effect when added in the diet.

Results: Here, we studied the physiological effects of fructans obtained from A.

Stimulation of dopamine D4 receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of male rats induces hyperphagia: involvement of glutamate.

Obesity is a serious worldwide health problem, affecting 20-40% of the population in several countries. According to animal models, obesity is related to changes in the expression of proteins that control energy homeostasis and in neurotransmission associated to regulation of food intake. For example, it has been reported that diet-induced obesity produces overexpression of dopamine D4 receptor (D4R) mRNA in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) of mice.

Role of cannabinoid CB1 receptors on macronutrient selection and satiety in rats.

It has been shown that endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids substantially increase feeding. Despite evidence for a role of endocannabinoids in mediating food ingestion, the mechanisms by which CB1 receptor agonists and antagonists have an effect on motivational processes (hunger, satiety) as well as on specific food preference are not entirely understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of systemic injection of the CB1 receptor agonist, ACEA, on protein, carbohydrates and fat intake as well as on the behavioural satiety sequence (BSS) in pre-satiated rats.