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TDK conference 2023Balkó Eszter Fruzsina - year 3 University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Department of Anatomy and Histology Supervisor: Dr. Bence Rácz Neurons expressing hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) play a crucial role in the development of hunger. AgRP neurons are located exclusively in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and together with POMC neurons form the basis of the melanocortin system: a set of CNS circuits regulating food intake and energy balance. However, the impact of AgRP neurons on complex, non-feeding related behaviour is less understood and could potentially represent an important link to various mental disorders, such as anorexia nervosa. Using the AgRP(DTR) mouse model we performed various behavioural tests to study the effects of neonatal AgRP neuronal ablation on exploratory behaviour and anxiety. As AgRP neurons are primarily active during negative energy balance and starvation-like states, we also examined the ability of animals with impaired AgRP neuronal function to adapt to a CR regimen. Several studies have shown that CR can be successfully implemented to slow down ageing processes and increase lifespan. Considering the role of AgRP neurons in energy balance regulation, we also test the hypothesis that AgRP neurons are essential for the beneficial effects of CR. Our results indicate that perturbation of AgRP neuronal function can lead to sex-dependent changes in metabolic and behavioural adaptation to CR. Supported by the ÚNKP-23-2 New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund. List of lectures |