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POMC Neuron Activation

Meaning

POMC Neuron Activation refers to the stimulation of Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) expressing neurons, which are a critical population of anorexigenic neurons located in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Activation of these neurons is a pivotal event in the central regulation of energy balance, leading to the synthesis and release of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). This signaling cascade results in a powerful, biologically driven suppression of appetite and an increase in energy expenditure. This activation is the central mechanism by which chronic energy sufficiency signals are translated into satiety.