The Neural and Endocrine Control of Food Intake and Reproduction

Dear Colleagues,

The sophisticated neural and endocrine systems that regulate food intake and reproduction are essential for the survival and propagation of species. The hypothalamus integrates information from many organs and peripheral tissues, allowing it to maintain energy balance and control food intake. First-order neurons and glia responsive to metabolic factors are in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC), including neurons that stimulate appetite (like NPY and AgRP) and those that decrease appetite (like POMC). These neurons project to other brain regions involved in appetite regulation. Various hormones released by the GI tract, pancreas, adipocytes, and other tissues (e.g., leptin, ghrelin, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), etc.) impact metabolism and appetite. These actions are modified by sex hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone), which are crucial for regulating reproductive and sexually dimorphic physiology and behavior. Moreover, metabolic factors act on networks, including kisspeptin-producing (Kiss1) neurons that regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and reproductive behaviors. The complex interplay between neural circuits, endocrine signals, and environmental cues ensures energy homeostasis and the maintenance of reproductive success.

Dr. Muhammad Naveed
Prof. Dr. Jennifer W. Hill
Topic Editors