DEFINITION
Arcuate-nucleus NPY / AgRP neurons co-express neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide and constitute the principal orexigenic population opposite POMC neurons in the central regulation of food intake.
GLP-1 receptor agonism modulates activity across this circuit as part of its broader effect on appetite; preclinical mapping of Semaglutide has documented distributed engagement of appetite-relevant hypothalamic and brainstem populations.
WHY IT MATTERS
NPY / AgRP neurons anchor the opposing arm of the ARC appetite circuit engaged by GLP-1R agonists.
RELATED
Compounds
Glossary