[Neuroendocrine regulation of eating behavior]

Abstract

We review current neuroendocrine concepts about feeding behavior. Digestive or metabolic inputs are conveyed to the hypothalamus by endocrine and neuroendocrine pathways (insulin, cholecystokinin). The hypothalamus regulates feeding behavior both quantitatively and qualitatively through several neuroendocrine mediators (neuropeptide Y, galanin, GHRH...). The hypothalamus also integrates, by its communicative network, inputs from the cortex, the sub-cortex, the peripheral metabolism and it modifies consequently the feeding behavior. These neuroendocrine models are developed from many experimental observations both in normal and obese animals.