Energy expenditure measurement
Objective: Assessment of energy expenditure changes during and after AgRP neuron stimulation using DREADD technology
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
Not specified in provided text • Not specified in provided text • Not specified in provided text • Not specified in provided text
Materials1
Not specified in provided text • Not specified in provided text • Not specified in provided text • Not specified in provided text
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Product links help support this free resource.
Protocol Steps
AgRP neuron activation via DREADD
Activate AgRP neurons using DREADD technology with designer drugs to stimulate neuronal activity
Note: Activation is specific and reversible
View evidence from paper
“Using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) technology to provide specific and reversible regulation of neuronal activity in mice”
Measure energy expenditure during stimulation
Measure energy expenditure in mice while AgRP neurons are actively stimulated
Note: Energy expenditure is reduced during AgRP neuron activation
View evidence from paper
“acute activation of AgRP neurons rapidly and dramatically induces feeding, reduces energy expenditure, and ultimately increases fat stores”
Withdraw stimulation and measure recovery
Remove the DREADD activating agent and measure energy expenditure as it returns to baseline
Note: All effects return to baseline after stimulation is withdrawn
View evidence from paper
“All these effects returned to baseline after stimulation was withdrawn”
Assess feeding behavior during stimulation
Monitor and measure food intake and feeding-related behaviors during AgRP neuron activation
Note: Activation potently increases motivation for feeding and food-seeking behavior
View evidence from paper
“activating AgRP neurons potently increased motivation for feeding and also drove intense food-seeking behavior”
Measure fat stores
Assess changes in fat stores following AgRP neuron stimulation
Note: Fat stores increase as a result of AgRP neuron activation
View evidence from paper
“acute activation of AgRP neurons rapidly and dramatically induces feeding, reduces energy expenditure, and ultimately increases fat stores”