Activation of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis by the ventromedial hypothalamus

Abstract

In normal rats, hyperphagia induced by feeding a highly palatable cafeteria diet is often accompanied by a large increase in heat production (diet-induced thermogenesis) which tends to prevent excessive weight gain and obesity. This diet-induced thermogenesis is due to symapthetic activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). The possibility that the VMH [ventromedial nucleus] is involved in the activation of this process was investigated. Electrical stimulation of this area produced increased BAT thermogenesis, which suggests that the VMH exerts a dual influence in the regulation of energy balance, an inhibitory effect on energy intake and a stimulatory effect on thermogenesis and energy output.