What is the Origin of Satiety Signaling Pathways?

The detailed understanding of these pathways is a relatively modern development in endocrinology and neurobiology, following the discovery of key regulatory hormones and their central nervous system targets. The concept emphasizes a multi-hormonal, network-based control system rather than a single hunger switch.

What is the Mechanism of Satiety Signaling Pathways?

Upon food ingestion, enteroendocrine cells in the gut release peptides like GLP-1 and PYY, which travel via the bloodstream and vagus nerve to the brainstem and arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Simultaneously, leptin from fat cells signals long-term energy stores. These signals activate anorexigenic neurons and inhibit orexigenic neurons, creating the integrated sensation of fullness that governs subsequent food-seeking behavior.

Satiety Signaling Pathways ∞ Area

Satiety Signaling Pathways

Meaning

Satiety Signaling Pathways encompass the complex, integrated neuroendocrine circuits that originate primarily in the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue, converging on the hypothalamus to communicate the state of energy sufficiency and suppress the drive to eat. These pathways involve the coordinated release and action of numerous gut peptides and adipokines, such as GLP-1, PYY, CCK, and leptin, which collectively terminate a meal and regulate inter-meal interval. Functional integrity of these pathways is essential for natural weight management.