Emma Vantongeren
Research Mentor: Martin Myers Jr
Mentor Department: Not Available, Medicine
Author(s): Emma VanTongeren, Warren T. Yacawych, Sofia Sanchez, Martin G. Myers Jr.
Session: Session 6 (3:00 PM – 3:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 93
Abstract
Feeding is essential for survival. To replete energy stores, animals must learn to identify and consume foods that are nutrient rich. The brain monitors ingested foods and pairs their flavor and nutritional content through a process called flavor-nutrient learning. This allows animals to learn about nutrient-rich foods and identify them by their flavors. In addition, the brain monitors food intake and promotes satiety to prevent overconsumption. It is unclear if the same brain regions that guide learning about ingested nutrients also promote satiety.
Ingestion begins in the oral cavity, where tastes and nutrients are first detected. As food passes through the gastrointestinal tract, the vagus nerve monitors ingested nutrients and relays these signals from the gut to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the brainstem. The NTS integrates signals about flavors and gastrointestinal nutrients to control food intake. Therefore, the NTS is activated by both taste and gastrointestinal signals. We hypothesize that NTS neurons are required to associate flavors with ingested nutrients. Thus, we predict the activity of NTS neurons reinforces the consumption of nutrient-rich foods while also controlling overall food intake.
To test this hypothesis, we created mouse models with which to activate or silence specific NTS subpopulations. We developed a flavor-nutrient learning paradigm where mice are given the choice between Kool-Aid mixed with sugar (nutrient-rich) or Kool-Aid mixed with saccharin (no nutritional value). We then assessed how activating or silencing NTS neuron subpopulations changed flavor-nutrient learning in our paradigm.
