Ventral hippocampal NPY interneurons regulate circadian feeding in mice

Ventral hippocampus neuropeptide Y-expressing interneurons (NPY-INs) show significant diurnal activity fluctuations that are disrupted by chronic circadian disruption.

• NPY-INs in the ventral hippocampus play a role in regulating feeding behavior throughout the day-night cycle.
• During the light phase, NPY signaling is the dominant mechanism for feeding regulation, while GABA signaling is more significant during the dark phase.
• These interneurons receive inputs from other brain regions that help them adapt to circadian changes.
• The signaling pathways involving NPY contribute to the control of energy balance and may be linked to metabolic dysfunction when disrupted.

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