Journal of Molecular Endocrinology

Yin–Yang model of control of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. NPY/AgRP and POMC neurons within the arcuate nucleus form a coordinately regulated network due to dense NPY/AgRP fibers that project to POMC cell bodies. Some of the receptors for a large number of hormones and neuropeptides known to regulate the network are indicated. These fibers project to many of the same nuclei, where dual release of α-MSH and AgRP were proposed to compete for MC4R binding, to coordinately regulate food intake and energy homeostasis. AgRP, agouti-related peptide; GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid; GHS, growth-hormone secretagogue receptor; Lep, leptin; MC3R, melanocortin 3 receptor; NPY, neuropeptide Y; μ-OR, μ-opiate receptor; R, receptor; GLP-1, glucagon-like peptide 1. Modified, with permission, from Cowley MA, Smart JL, Rubinstein M, Cerdan MG, Diano S, Horvath TL, Cone RD & Low MJ (2001) Leptin activates anorexigenic POMC neurons through a neural network in the arcuate nucleus. Nature 411 480–484.