Orexin deficiency modulates the dipsogenic effects of angiotensin II in a sex-dependent manner.

The orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system is an important regulator of ingestive behaviors, i.e., it promotes food and water intake.

Sex-dependent role of orexin deficiency in feeding behavior and affective state of mice following intermittent access to a Western diet - Implications for binge-like eating behavior.

Binge eating disorder is a debilitating disease characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption and associated with psychiatric comorbidities. Despite a growing body of research investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of eating disorders, specific treatments are lacking. Given its fundamental role in feeding behaviors, we investigated the role of the orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system in binge-like eating and associated phenotypes.

Angiotensin II-induced drinking behavior as a method to verify cannula placement into the cerebral ventricles of mice: An evaluation of its accuracy.

Background: Intracerebroventricular (icv) injections are frequently used in neuroscience research. In addition to histological verification of the injection sites, administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) is often used to verify the injection placements. ANG II is a peptide hormone exerting dipsogenic effects, i.

Orexin deficiency affects sociability and the acquisition, expression, and extinction of conditioned social fear.

Accumulating evidence indicates that the central orexin (hypocretin) system plays an important role in regulating emotional processes in both humans and rodents. Thus, the orexin system has been repeatedly implicated in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders. Among others, symptoms like social fear and social withdrawal are frequently observed in these disorders.

Sociability and extinction of conditioned social fear is affected in neuropeptide S receptor-deficient mice.

Being cautious of unfamiliar conspecifics is adaptive because sick or aggressive conspecifics may jeopardize survival and well-being. However, prolonged or excessive caution, i.e.