Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: TRP , TRPC

Title: Serotonin 2C receptor activates a distinct population of arcuate pro-opiomelanocortin neurons via TRPC channels.

Authors: Jong-Woo Sohn, Yong Xu, Juli E Jones, Kevin Wickman, Kevin W Williams, Joel K Elmquist

Journal, date & volume: Neuron, 2011 Aug 11 , 71, 488-97

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21835345

Abstract
Serotonin 2C receptors (5-HT(2C)Rs) expressed by pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons of hypothalamic arcuate nucleus regulate food intake, energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of 5-HT to regulate POMC neuronal activity via 5-HT(2C)Rs have not yet been identified. In the present study, we found the putative transient receptor potential C (TRPC) channels mediate the activation of a subpopulation of POMC neurons by mCPP (a 5-HT(2C)R agonist). Interestingly, mCPP-activated POMC neurons were found to be a distinct population from those activated by leptin. Together, our data suggest that 5-HT(2C)R and leptin receptors are expressed by distinct subpopulations of arcuate POMC neurons and that both 5-HT and leptin exert their actions in POMC neurons via TRPC channels.