Neurons in the brain, particularly those in the hypothalamus, are essential for the maintenance of whole-body metabolic homeostasis. Dysfunctions or dysregulations of them can result in various metabolic diseases, including eating disorders, obesity, and diabetes. In addition to hormonal and peptidergic regulation, accumulating evidence has shown that these neurons are subject to synaptic regulation, which has been largely overlooked. In this chapter, we focus on synaptic neurotransmission of hypothalamic neurons and summarize current knowledge of synaptic plasticity in the maintenance of energy balance. Synaptic modulation engaged by circulating hormones is also discussed.
Keywords: GABA; Ghrelin; Glutamate; Hypothalamus; Leptin; Metabolism; Neurotransmission; Synaptic plasticity.