Hypothalamic actions of tumor necrosis factor alpha provide the thermogenic core for the wastage syndrome in cachexia.

Summary: However, by acting directly in the hypothalamus, TNFalpha can activate thermogenesis and modulate food intake. Here we show that high concentration TNFalpha in the hypothalamus leads to increased O2 consumption/CO2 production, increased body temperature, and reduced caloric intake, resulting in loss of body mass....In addition, the systemic inhibition of beta3-adrenergic signaling results in a reduced body mass loss and increased survival in septic rats. These data suggest hypothalamic TNFalpha action to be important mediator of the wastage syndrome in cachexia.




Arruda, A. P. P., Milanski, M., Romanatto, T., Solon, C., Coope, A., Alberici, L. C., Festuccia, W. T., Hirabara, S. M., Ropelle, E., Curi, R., Carvalheira, J. B., Vercesi, A. E., and Velloso, L. A. (2009). Hypothalamic actions of tumor necrosis factor alpha provide the thermogenic core for the wastage syndrome in cachexia. Endocrinology. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/6368716?updated=1260645988