- Dopamine, Opoids, Serotonin, acetylcholine, cannabinoids
- Dopamine (DA) from the mesolimbic system directly acts upon the nucleus accumbens, thereby controlling motivational and hedonic eating as well as serving as the point of action for endogenous opioids, serotonin, and acetylcholine (Ach).
- It should be noted that these are some of the same neurotransmitters and pathways that control motivation and reinforcement pathways typically associated with substance addictions.
- The endogenous opioids act to modulate DA release thereby affecting the reward process.
- Similarly, ACh in the nucleus accumbens has been associated with satiety, though the precise mechanism of action needs further investigation.
- 5-HT is also associated with the sensation of satiety and can be associated with weight loss and fat intake.
- Given the interplay between all of these neurotransmitters and the nucleus accumbens, it is possible that dysfunction at any of these key points could result in disordered eating.
References
- Avena NM, Rada PV. Cholinergic modulation of food and drug satiety and withdrawal. Physiology & behavior. 2012; 106(3), 332-336.
- Halford JC, Blundell JE. Pharmacology of appetite supression. Progress in drug research Fortschritte der Arzneimittelforschung Progres des recherches pharmaceutiques. 2000a; 54, 25-58.
