A new preprint study was published today on the DMH (Rasputin) and MCR3 (Nupeppo) receptor. In our neuromemex, the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) is Rasputin, the Russian political agent infamous for his unkillable survival skills. MCR3 is Nupeppo, a Japanese fat monster representing MCR3's role in fat accumulation. Let's see how they survive this trial. Here is the study:
Find this author on Google Scholar
In the study, the researchers were trying to better understand why knocking out the MC3R receptor resulted in a bidirectional dysregulation of body weight management, such that mice got fatter and thinner when they received too much or too little food compared to controls:
MC3R knockout mice demonstrating increased weight gain following anabolic challenges and increased weight loss following anorexic challenges (i.e. impaired energy rheostasis)
The findings were:
- The MC3R neurons they were looking for are in DMH
- Deleting MC3R only made male mice fatter and thinner
- Artificially stimulating DMH increased mouse arousal and general level of activity
The archetypes work pretty well as explanatory entities in this trial. We learned that the weight effects of MC3R DMH neurons are more of a male phenomenon. The neuromythographic meaning of Nupeppo has to be expanded to include both adding and subtracting body weight.
