Running on Empty: Leptin Signaling in VTA Regulates Reward from Physical Activity.

Chen, Zuxin; Kenny, Paul J · Cell Metab · 2015

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Hunger increases physical activity and stamina to support food-directed foraging behaviors, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this issue, Fernandes et al. (2015) show that disruption of leptin-regulated STAT3 signaling in midbrain dopamine neurons increases the rewarding effects of running in mice, which could explain the "high" experienced by endurance runners.

Medical subject headings