DEFINITION
POMC neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus express proopiomelanocortin, the precursor of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), and constitute a core anorexigenic population in the central regulation of food intake.
GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Semaglutide engage distributed neural circuits including POMC neurons; preclinical rodent mapping studies have documented Semaglutide-driven activation of these and related appetite-relevant populations.
WHY IT MATTERS
POMC neurons are a central-nervous-system substrate for GLP-1R-mediated reductions in food intake.
RELATED
Compounds
Glossary