Pro-Opiomelanocortin Neural Activation and Sexual Interest in Male Mice

Abstract Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus play a role both control of metabolic state and sexual behavior. Along with fast neurotransmitters glutamate and/or GABA, POMC secrete cocaine- amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) products gene, including β-endorphin α-melanocortin stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Published data from our lab demonstrate lack interest male mice when leptin receptor insulin are deleted neurons. Furthermore, this absence correlates decrease product α-MSH. However, it is not known whether these effects correspond to an increase neural activation. We hypothesized that activation would lead improved interest. have crossed cre-dependent expression excitatory designer receptor, hM3Dq, expressing cre under promoter. When administered intraperitoneal clozapine-N-oxide (CNO), exhibit increased completed comprehensive mating analysis measure desire erectile ejaculatory capabilities CNO or saline administration. Additionally, we sacrificed after injection perform immunostaining for protein c-fos as indicator As expected, expression, while impact on was more nuanced. These experiments emphasize need investigate specific neuropeptide transmitter output by influences behavior function.