Page 34 - Q. Neuroscience

[Q. Neuroscience-19]

Pine needle extract activates POMC neurons in the

Hypothalamus

Kim EA¹˙*, Byun EH¹˙*, Kang D¹˙²˙*, Han J¹˙²˙*, Hong SG¹˙²˙*, Lee DK¹˙*

¹Physiology, Convergence Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727,

Republic of Korea, ²Physiology, Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727,
Republic of Korea

Prolonged excessive energy intake over the energy consumption leads to obesity which is a major cause of metabolic

disease such as type 2 diabetes. The Arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus is the most important brain area

to regulate energy balance. The ARC is a major component of the melanocortin system, a regulation center of
energy balance in the hypothalamus. Two distinct neuronal types of ARC are anorexigenic POMC (Pro-
opiomelanocortin) and orexigenic NPY (Neuropeptide Y) / AgRP (Agouti related peptide) neurons. Also, the POMC

neurons in the ARC are known as an energy expenditure enhancing neurons. In addition, the pine needle contains
strong antioxidant polyphenols and has capability of lipolysis and improve elevated blood glucose levels by obesity.

However, the role of pine needle extract (PNE) onto the hypothalamic POMC neurons remain unclear. In this study,
we use hot water extracted PNE to investigate the role of PNE in regulation of energy balance via hypothalamic

POMC neurons. Overall, these findings strongly suggest that PNE plays pivotal to regulate energy balance via
melanocortin system