January 7th, 2009
The Brain Is a Remote Control for Fat Metabolism
A remote control system for the fat metabolism is located within the
brain, according to researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC).
The
melanocortin system was previously known to control the central nervous
system (CNS). It plays a key role by receiving hormone signals from the
gut and responding to the sensations of hunger or fullness.
The melanocortin system controls the fat metabolism and how fat is being stored, completely independent to the food intake.
The
researchers studied the melanocortin system in rodents. The findings
showed that fat is metabolized when the melanocortin system has an
increased activity. Fat accumulation may be due to the fact that the
melanocortin system`s activity is reduced.