Food-induced dopamine signaling in AgRP neurons promotes feeding.

Obesity comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are pressing public health concerns. Overconsumption of calories leads to weight gain; however, neural mechanisms underlying excessive food consumption are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that dopamine receptor D1 (Drd1) expressed in the agouti-related peptide/neuropeptide Y (AgRP/NPY) neurons of the arcuate hypothalamus is required for appropriate responses to a high-fat diet (HFD).

Dopamine Signaling in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Enables Weight Gain Associated with Hedonic Feeding.

The widespread availability of energy-dense, rewarding foods is correlated with the increased incidence of obesity across the globe. Overeating during mealtimes and unscheduled snacking disrupts timed metabolic processes, which further contribute to weight gain. The neuronal mechanism by which the consumption of energy-dense food restructures the timing of feeding is poorly understood.