Parabrachial-to-parasubthalamic nucleus pathway mediates fear-induced suppression of feeding in male mice

Takashi Nagashima, Suguru Tohyama, Kaori Mikami, Masashi Nagase, Mieko Morishima, Atsushi Kasai, Hitoshi Hashimoto and Ayako M. Watabe ()
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Takashi Nagashima: The Jikei University School of Medicine
Suguru Tohyama: The Jikei University School of Medicine
Kaori Mikami: The Jikei University School of Medicine
Masashi Nagase: The Jikei University School of Medicine
Mieko Morishima: The Jikei University School of Medicine
Atsushi Kasai: Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
Hitoshi Hashimoto: Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
Ayako M. Watabe: The Jikei University School of Medicine

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Abstract Feeding behavior is adaptively regulated by external and internal environment, such that feeding is suppressed when animals experience pain, sickness, or fear. While the lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPB) plays key roles in nociception and stress, neuronal pathways involved in feeding suppression induced by fear are not fully explored. Here, we investigate the parasubthalamic nucleus (PSTN), located in the lateral hypothalamus and critically involved in feeding behaviors, as a target of lPB projection neurons. Optogenetic activation of lPB-PSTN terminals in male mice promote avoidance behaviors, aversive learning, and suppressed feeding. Inactivation of the PSTN and lPB-PSTN pathway reduces fear-induced feeding suppression. Activation of PSTN neurons expressing pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a neuropeptide enriched in the PSTN, is sufficient for inducing avoidance behaviors and feeding suppression. Blockade of PACAP receptors impaires aversive learning induced by lPB-PSTN photomanipulation. These findings indicate that lPB-PSTN pathway plays a pivotal role in fear-induced feeding suppression.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35634-2

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