Alteration of neural network connectivities following repeated exposures to palatable food

Abstract

Feeding is the important characteristic of living organisms being a great significance struggling for existence and survival. The aim of the present study was to investigate neurophysiological mechanisms in association to food consumption behavior in mice. Local field potential were recorded from 4 associated brain regions of feeding in mice consisting of the lateral hypothalamus (LHa) implicated to regulate food intake and motivated behaviors, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) which is a central role of reward circuit, the dorsal hippocampus (HP) or the foundation of learning and memory and the olfactory bulb (OB) or the gate of smell perception. Animals expressed chocolate-like behavior and LFP changes following repeated chocolate consumptions. Here, delta (0.5-4 Hz) power was increased in the regions of LHa, NAc and HP, while the gamma powers (30.5-100 Hz) decreased in these brain areas. Theta (4.5-12 Hz)-high gamma (60-100 Hz) coupling was strengthened in the HP. Moreover, LHa-NAc, LHa-OB, NAc-HP and HP-OB were increased the coherence activity of beta (12.5-30 Hz) and gamma (30.5-100 Hz) oscillations following the chocolate sessions indicating the brain modulation induced by repeated chocolate learning that produce food preference to chocolate consumption. The features of brain signaling during hunger showed remarked patterns associated with food deprivation where beta (12.5-30 Hz) and gamma (30.5-100 Hz) power increased in the LHa, NAC and HP. In addition, increased beta and gamma coherence were observed in LHa-HP and NAC-OB reflecting neural circuits in response of negative energy status.