The role of neurotransmitters in mediating hunger and satiety

The hypothalamus works as a key regulatory center of food intake. Since many different neurons are involved in this regulation, it has so far been virtually impossible to understand the underlying neural circuits of this brain area and their connections. Using cell-type-specific genetic, electrophysiological and optical approaches, we identified previously unknown „satiety neurons“ and uncovered which neurotransmitter mediates the communication of hunger neurons.