Rowett Research Institute

About: Rowett Research Institute is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Rumen & Population. The organization has 2986 authors who have published 4459 publications receiving 239472 citations.

Photoperiodic Regulation of Histamine H3 Receptor and VGF Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in the Arcuate Nucleus of the Siberian Hamster

Abstract: To survive winter the Siberian hamster has evolved profound physiological and behavioral adaptations, including a moult to winter pelage, regression of the reproductive axis, onset of daily torpor and increased capacity for thermogenesis. However, one of the most striking adaptations is the catabolism of intraabdominal and sc fat reserves contributing to the loss of up to 40% of body weight. These physiological and behavioral adaptations are photoperiodically driven, yet neither the site(s) in the brain nor the molecular mechanism(s) involved in the regulation of these profound adaptations is known. Here we report a dynamic regulation of gene expression in a dorsal region of the medial posterior area of the arcuate nucleus (dmpARC) of the Siberian and Syrian hamster brain in response to altered photoperiod. We show mRNA for the histamine H3 receptor is down-regulated and VGF is up-regulated in the dmpARC in hamsters switched from long- to short-day photoperiod. These data provide further evidence to suppo...

The action of the beta-agonist clenbuterol on protein metabolism in innervated and denervated phasic muscles.

Abstract: 1. Clenbuterol treatment in innervated and denervated phasic extensor digitorum longus, plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles from rats caused a significant increase in RNA and protein contents in all muscles except denervated extensor digitorum longus. 2. All muscles showed an increase in the fractional rate of protein synthesis (Ks) with clenbuterol, but the temporal response varied. 3. The data suggest that the effect of clenbuterol on protein metabolism in innervated muscles is muscle-type specific, and demonstrate the homology of response for denervated muscles.

Lectins and also bacteria modify the glycosylation of gut surface receptors in the rat

Abstract: Oral exposure to lectins or the presence or absence of bacteria in the rat small intestine were shown by histological methods using anti-lectin antibodies or digoxigenin-labelled lectins to have major effects on the state of glycosylation of lumenal membranes and cytoplasmic glycoconjugates of epithelial cells. Taken together with the dramatic effects of exposure to lectins on gut function, metabolism and bacterial ecology, this can be used as a basis for new perspectives of biomedical manipulations to improve health.

Plasma concentrations of alpha-MSH, AgRP and leptin in lean and obese men and their relationship to differing states of energy balance perturbation.

Abstract: Objective: A great deal of attention has focused on the central role of alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (?-MSH) and its antagonism at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) by agouti related protein (AgRP) in the regulation of energy balance. However, very little is known regarding the function of circulating AgRP and ?-MSH in humans. We aimed to determine whether circulating ?-MSH and AgRP are responsive to long-term perturbations in energy balance, in a manner consistent with their central putative functions. Design and Measurements: Circulating ?-MSH, AgRP and leptin were measured in both lean (n = 11) and obese (n = 18) male volunteers, some of whom (lean n = 11, obese n = 12) were then allocated one of two weight-loss dietary strategies to achieve about 5% weight loss. This was achieved by either total starvation (for 4–6 days) for rapid weight loss or a very low calorie diet (VLCD, 2·6 MJ/day) (11–12 days) for less rapid weight loss, in both the lean and obese volunteers. Results: At baseline, prior to any weight loss both plasma ?-MSH (15·8 ± 1·2 vs. 5·8 ± 1·0 pmol/l ± SEM; P Conclusion: We show a difference in ?-MSH and AgRP in lean and obese subjects that correlates closely with body fat at baseline. We demonstrate an increase in plasma AgRP during a 6-day fast in lean individuals that is coincident with a decrease in plasma leptin. This increase in AgRP was not due to weight loss per se as there was no change in AgRP as a result of the same weight loss in the VLCD intervention in lean individuals. The source of the increase in plasma AgRP and its physiological function in the periphery remains to be elucidated but we suggest that the dynamics of the change in plasma leptin may determine the elevation in fasting plasma AgRP in lean subjects.