Energy Homeostasis: Hypothalamic Development

The neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) are key sensors for the peripheral metabolic signals (such as leptin and insulin) that are important for homeostatic feedback control of food intake and energy expenditure. In rodents, ARH neurons start developing between the first and third postnatal weeks. In the nonhuman primate, these projections develop during the third trimester of pregnancy. This species difference suggests that postnatal environmental cues, that is, nutrition, can have a significant impact on the development of these circuits. In contrast, maternal health and diet may play a more critical role in primates.