More than one third of the population of U.S. adults are considered obese. Obesity is linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Estrogens, long associated with their role in regulating the female reproduction system, now show connections to reducing obesity. Studies show that estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is involved in regulating food intake and energy expenditure. Further, upcoming research has shown that in both sexes, estrogens produce neuroprotective and anorexigenic effects through ERα as well as estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). In both male and female rats, estrogens were shown to decrease body weight, decrease food intake, and increase energy expenditure. Traditionally, studies involving estrogenic actions on energy regulation have taken place in regions such as the hypothalamus and brainstem. Estrogen receptors are also found in the hippocampus, which has a major role in learning and memory, as well as the amygdala, known for its role in regulating emotions. Interestingly, these limbic regions send input to the hypothalamus, and have recently been shown to play roles in regulating food intake. However, ERα and ERβ expression has not clearly been mapped out in the hippocampus and amygdala during different energy statuses between the sexes. This project examines estrogen’s actions on food intake in the hippocampus and amygdala during different dietary conditions by quantifying the expression of ERα and ERβ in male and female rats. Preliminary data has shown ERα and ERβ expression to be differently regulated dependent on sex of the animal and energy conditions at that time. Further work involves quantification of sub-regions. This project will generate a greater understanding for ERα and ERβ’s roles in the hippocampus and amygdala as well as important preclinical data to help fully realize estrogen’s anorexigenic and neuroprotective effects.

Expression of ERα and ERβ in hippocampus and amygdala during altered energy states between sexes

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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