Neurons are related to compulsive food seeking

RIO DE JANEIRO (EFE).— A group of researchers led by a Brazilian scientist identified for the first time a set of neurons related to the compulsive search for food, it was reported yesterday.

The discovery opens the doors to treating eating disorder problems, such as bulimia and anorexia.

According to the study, released by the São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Fapesp) and published by the specialized magazine “Nature Communications”, these neurons are hidden in a region called periaqueductal gray matter, which is located at the base of the brain, in the opposite direction to the prefrontal cortex.

Also known as VGAT neurons, these cells are present in various areas of the brain and spinal cord and contribute to the modulation of mood, sleep, anxiety and stress response, among other functions.

The discovery was accidental, since the scientists were studying neurons in the periaqueductal gray matter because they were interested in anxiety and not food.

To do this, scientists used a technique in mice that combines light stimulation and bioengineering to selectively activate a set of neurons hidden at the base of the brain.

According to Brazilian neuroscientist Fernando Reis, from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and lead author of the work, the initial hypothesis was that the activation of VGAT (Vesicular GABA Transporter) neurons should inhibit fear and panic reactions, but Instead, a frantic search for food was unleashed.

New experiments revealed that even in completely satiated animals, the activation of these neurons triggered a frantic search for food, causing them to overeat.

But the opposite also happened. Animals that were deliberately left very hungry ate less when VGAT neurons were inhibited.