Abstract

Past research has determined many of the areas that are involved in the control of feeding behavior as well as the pathways involved. However, it has not yet been determined what type of chemoreceptors and neurotransmitters these neuronal pathways are utilizing, especially those used by second.,.order neurons. The current study will attempt to determine if catecholaminergic neurons are at least partially responsible for central nervous system processing and dissemination of signals triggered by various macronutrients in the intestine. Double-label imm~nocytochemistry will be used. C-Fos immunocytochemistry will be used to determine the neurons activated by the stimulus of nutrient infusions. Dopamine B.'.hydroxylase immunocytochemistry will be used to determine where catecholaminergic cells are located .in relationship to the activated neurons. Activated neurons that utilize catecholamines should be double labeled.

This project gives much importance to the process used in determining an appropriate protocol for such labeling techniques. The results of this study also indicated that catecholaminergic neurons are involved in the transferring or processing of nutrient infusion related signals; however, their role may be a small one. This project confirmed the location of areas known for catecholamine expression as well as those areas in which c-Fos labeled neurons are present. Based on these results it is hoped that others learn about the techniques involved in such processes.