Essential and sex-specific effects of mGluR5 in ventromedial hypothalamus regulating estrogen signaling and glucose balance

Jul 29, 2020Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Key and sex-specific roles of mGluR5 in the brain's energy control area affecting estrogen signals and blood sugar balance

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Abstract

Expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is reduced in severely obese brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mutant mice.

  • mGluR5 depletion in VMH SF1 neurons does not impact energy balance regulation.
  • Impairments in insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and sympathetic output are observed in females but not in males with mGluR5 depletion.
  • Sex-specific deficits are associated with reduced intrinsic excitability and firing rate of SF1 neurons.
  • Altered synapse assembly and increased expression of the GABAergic synthetic enzyme GAD67 affect synaptic excitatory and inhibitory tone in mutant SF1 neurons.
  • Disrupted interactions between mGluR5 and estrogen receptors change the effects of estrogen on SF1 neuronal activity and glucose control from protective to harmful.

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