ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects of acute hypoxia on the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA in the rat hypothalamus. Methods A total of 78 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 13 groups ( n =6 in each group): control group and 12 experimental groups. Rats in the experimental groups were exposed to hypoxia in the hypobaric chamber simulating the altitudes of 3 000, 4 000, 5 000, and 6 000 m for 1, 2, and 3 d, respectively. The expression of NPY mRNA in the rat hypothalamus under the condition of acute hypoxia was detected by semi quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR). Results ① Expression of NPY mRNA was detected in the rat hypothalamus in the experimental groups and the control group. ② Under the condition of acute hypoxia for the same time, the expression of NPY mRNA in the rat hypothalamus showed the tendency of decrease at increasing altitudes; ③ At the same altitude, expression of NPY mRNA in the rat hypothalamus decreased gradually with the increasing time for acute hypoxia. Conclusion Acute hypoxia can decrease the expression of NPY mRNA in the rat hypothalamus.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the effect of acute hypoxia on the appetite and expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in rat hypothalamus. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, 3 000 m group, 4 000 m group , 5 000 m group and 6 000 m group for different times (1d, 2d and 3d respectively) . The change of appetite was observed and the expression of NPY in hypothalamus of rats was measured by immunohistochemical method. Results: (1) After acute hypoxia, the appetite of rats decreased. (2) The expression of NPY of the test groups and the normal group was decreased in arcuatus, paraventricular and dorsal median nucleus of the hypothalamus after acute hypoxia. Conclusion: Acute hypoxia might inhibit feed intake of rats, and decreased expression of NPY in hypothalamus, which may be one of the important reasons for loss of appetite.