The Dorsal Raphe Nucleus and the Integrative Control of Feeding: A Report on Research Supported by Pathway to Stop Diabetes.

Abstract

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is a key regulator of food intake and body weight. The DRN has historically been associated with feeding, as it houses the single largest population of serotonergic neurons in the mammalian brain. Few studies have demonstrated a direct role for DRN serotonergic neurons in regulating feeding; none of these studies have demonstrated effects near those elicited by serotonin, itself. There are many nonserotonergic cell types in the DRN that play an integral role in feeding. These DRN cell types play important roles in both hunger and satiation.