Conspecific odor exposure predominantly activates non-kisspeptin cells in the medial nucleus of the amygdala.

A small neuronal subpopulation in the medial nucleus of the amygdala (MeA), expressing the Kiss1 gene, is now considered an important mediator that integrates socio-sexual behavior and odor information in order to modulate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis. Previous studies demonstrated that exogenous kisspeptin administration or selective activation of Kiss1-expressing neurons in the MeA modulates the onset of puberty, LH secretion and sexual behavior. These functions are supported by the known MeA neuronal connections.

Injections of the of the α-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin into the median raphe nucleus increase food intake and Fos expression in orexin neurons of free-feeding rats.

Previously, we showed that the blockade of α1-adrenoreceptors in the median raphe nucleus (MnR) increased food intake in free-feeding rats, indicating that adrenergic mechanisms in the MnR participate in the regulation of food intake. However, the impact of such a pharmacological manipulation on other neural circuits related to food intake remains unknown. In the current study, we sought to identify forebrain regions which are responsive to α1-adrenergic receptor blockade and presumably involved in the modulation of the feeding response.

Clinical and histological responses to laparoscopically-induced peritonitis in rats.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of inducing peritonitis in rats through laparoscopic cecal ligation (CL), by means of an elastic band.

Methods: Twelve Wistar rats were subjected to cecal ligated with an elastic band applied using a specially constructed applicator. In six of the animals (the CL group) the cecal sac was preserved intact whilst in the remaining animals (the CLP group) the sac was perforated with scissors.