Food intake regulating-neuropeptides are expressed and regulated through pregnancy and following food restriction in rat placenta

BACKGROUND: Neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti related peptide (AgRP), cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and melanocortins, the products of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC), are hypothalamic peptides involved in feeding regulation and energy homeostasis. Recent evidence has demonstrated their expression in rat and human placenta. METHODS: In the current study, we have investigated the expression of those neuropeptides in the rat placenta by real-time PCR using a model of maternal food restriction. RESULTS: Our results showed that placental-derived neuropeptides were regulated through pregnancy and following food restriction. CONCLUSION: These data could indicate that placental-derived neuropeptides represent a local regulatory circuit that may fine-tune control of energy balance during pregnancy.