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This work obtained and identified pterocephanoside A (1), one new iridoid glucoside derivative with rare structure of three iridoid glycosides linked to cyclopenta[c]pyran-3(1H)-one, and 10 known iridoids (2–11) from Pterocephalus hookeri through silica gel column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. The structure of the new compound was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS data analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated from this plant for the first time. The iridoids mostly possessed seco-iridoid subtype and iridoid subtype skeletons from P. hookeri. Compounds 1, 3, 4, and 6–11 showed weak anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, growing evidence has demonstrated Dexmedetomidine (Dex) a promising intervene preventing postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) following surgery, which is associated with neuroinflammation leading to neuronal apoptosis and deregulated neurogenesis. Previous studies suggested the anti-inflammation and anti-neuroapoptosis action of Dex. Therefore we hypothesize the promoting neurogenesis of Dex linked to stimulating BDNF and subsequent p-MPAK production in a rat model of POCD. In the present study, the POCD animal model was established by performing an exploratory laparotomy under isoflurane anaesthesia in old rats, utilizing which Dex response is confirmed by behavioural tests. Inflammatory biomarkers as IL-1β and TNF-α, mature neuron percentage measured by doublecortin staining (DCX), promoting factors as brain derived growth factor (BDNF), phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and proteins of kinase A (PKA), MAPK production as p-P38-MAPK protein express were measured. Herein, we showed that surgery reduced DCX-positive neurons and expression of BDNF representing neurogenesis profoundly. As expected, Dex rescued the associated cognitive impairment and inflammatory changes, as well as up-regulated expression of BDNF, PKA, p-CREB/CREB and following p-P38-MAPK regulation. Our results confirmed the protective Dex response and indicated the proneurogenesis role of it as well, suggesting the mechanism of beneficial effects of Dex to prevent POCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triphenylphosphine (TPP) was used as reducing agent to continuously generate the Cu(I) activator in copper(II)-catalyzed activators generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP). For example, the polymers prepared with a molar ratio of [MMA]/[EBiB]/[CuCl]/[PMDETA]/[TPP] = 500/1/0.1/0.5/0.5 had controlled molecular weights and low molecular weight distribution ( M/ M) values (∼1.2). TPP as a commercial reducing agent provides a convenient copper-catalyzed AGET ATRP procedure for the preparation of well-defined polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powder X-ray diffraction and second harmonic generation measurement show that N,N-diisopropylpropan-1-ammonium perchlorate (DAP) transforms from a noncentrosymmetric orthorhombic structure (space group Pna21) to a centrosymmetric tetragonal structure at 334 K, then to a higher symmetry centrosymmetric tetragonal structure at 374 K. Dielectric constant measurement reveals it is an improper ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition at 334 K. The second nonlinear coefficient χ(2) is as large as that of KH2PO4, a typical nonlinear optical material. Therefore, DAP may have many important applications in electric material fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical analyses of Swertia davidii Franch. extracts using column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC were performed. Two novel phenolic glycosides named swertiosides A and B (compounds 1 and 2, respectively) were isolated and characterized. Four known phenolic glycosides were also extracted (compounds 3-6). The structural characteristics of these novel compounds were analyzed using 1D, 2D NMR, and HRMS. All six compounds have never been isolated from this particular plant species before this study. Subsequent assessment of bioactive properties suggested that compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate levels of cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phase transition compound 4-ethoxybenzenammonium iodide ( 1) (C8H12ON+ ·I-) was determined. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results show sharp peaks appear at 157.93 K (-115.22 °C) on heating and 157.00 K (-116.15 °C) on cooling with Δ H = 120.34 J ·mol-1, Δ S = 0.762 J ·mol-1 ·K-1. The dielectric measurements appear clear slope change, which matches well as observed in the DSC results. The crystal structure analyze shows that the space group changes from P21 at 103(2) K to P21/ c at 298(2) K during the phase transition process. The essential difference between the two temperature structures is the relative orientation of the oxyethyl group to the benzene ring, slight displacements of the anionic iodine and the packing of the molecular species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One novel organic-inorganic hybrid compound, ( p-CH3OC6H4NH3)+(18-crown-6) ·H2PO4- ·2H3PO4 ( 1) (( p-CH3OC6H4NH3)+ = 4-methoxyphenylammonium; 18-crown-6 = 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane), has been synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the structure, the organic ( p-CH3OC6H4NH3)+(18-crown-6) supermolecular cation layer and inorganic phosphate anion layer arrange alternately. Temperature- and frequency-dependent dielectric constants of compound 1 show no distinct dielectric anomalies, suggesting no phase transition within the measured temperature range (100-380 K). A high dielectric constant of 442.3 at a low frequency of 200 Hz suggests slow molecular motion and/or space charge polarization rather than fast electronic motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The in situ hydrothermal reactions of 4-nitrobenzonitrile with Cd(ClO4)2 and CdCl2 afforded two novel CdII–tetrazole coordination polymers, 2D network {[Cd(H2O)2(4-nptz)2](H2O)2} n (1) and 1D double chains [Cd(H2O)2(4-nptz)2] n (2). Their synthesis, solid-state structure, and XRPD patterns are reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new anaerobic reactor, Jet-loop anaerobic fluidized bed (JLAFB), was designed for treating high-sulfate wastewater. The treatment characteristics, including the effect of influent COD/SO42- ratio and alkalinity and sulfide inhibition in reactors, were discussed for a JLAFB and a general anaerobic fluidized bed (AFB) reactor used as sulfate-reducing phase and methane-producing phase, respectively, in two-phase anaerobic digestion process. The formation of granules in the two reactors was also examined. The results indicated that COD and sulfate removal had different demand of influent COD/SO42- ratios. When total COD removal was up to 85%, the ratio was only required up to 1.2, whereas, total sulfate removal up to 95% required it exceeding 3.0. The alkalinity in the two reactors increased linearly with the growth of influent alkalinity. Moreover, the change of influent alkalinity had no significant effect on pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the two reactors. Influent alkalinity kept at 400–500 mg/L could meet the requirement of the treating process. The JLAFB reactor had great advantage in avoiding sulfide and free-H2S accumulation and toxicity inhibition on microorganisms. When sulfate loading rate was up to 8.1 kg/(m3·d), the sulfide and free-H2S concentrations in JLAFB reactor were 58.6 and 49.7 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the granules, with offwhite color, ellipse shape and diameters of 1.0–3.0 mm, could be developed in JLAFB reactor. In granules, different groups of bacteria were distributed in different layers, and some inorganic metal compounds such as Fe, Ca, Mg etc. were found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four undescribed compounds including three harzianic acids (1 , 3 and 4) and one oxazolidinone (2), along with three known ones (5 – 7) were isolated from the solid fermented product of endophytic fungus Ilyonectria sp., their structures were elucidated as 1-amino-harzianic acid (1), ilyonectria-oxazolidinone (2),10′-nor- isoharzianic acid (3), isohomoharzianic acid (4), harzianic acid (5), isoharzianic acid (6), homoharzianic acid (7) by means of detailed chemical evidences and spectroscopic data analysis. All the compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against SMMC-7721 human cancer cell lines by MTS assay. Among the seven tested compounds, 1-amino-harzianic acid (1) demonstrated well cytotoxic activity against SMMC-7721 with IC 50 value of 26.84 μM. The results of molecular docking indicated that compound exhibited moderate anti-tumor activity may through binding to apoptosis related proteins. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a chemical reaction for hydrothermal synthesis method of 5-(4'-Methylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1H-tetrazole.

Distant metastasis and local recurrence are still the major causes for failure of treatment in patients with ovarian carcinoma (OC), making it urgent to further elicit the molecular mechanisms of OC metastasis. Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), a member of the NAD + -dependent Class III histone deacetylases, may function as different role depending on the cell-type and tumor-type. However, the function and mechanism of SIRT3 has been not explored in OC metastasis. Here, we found that SIRT3 was significantly down-regulated in the metastatic tissues and highly metastatic cell line of ovarian cancer. In addition, knockdown of SIRT3 enhanced the migration and invasion in vitro and the liver metastasis in vivo of ovarian cancer cell. By contrast, ectopic overexpression of SIRT3 dramatically suppressed cancer cell metastatic capability. Mechanistically, SIRT3 inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by down-regulating Twist in ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, an interaction between SIRT3 and Twist was detected. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that SIRT3 plays a crucial suppressive role in the metastasis of ovarian cancer by down-regulating Twist, and that this novel SIRT3/Twist axis may be valuable to develop new strategies for treating OC patients with metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new acetylenic compounds, asparoffins A (1) and B (2), together with two known compounds, nyasol (3) and 3″-methoxynyasol (4), were isolated from stems of Asparagus officinalis. The structures of two new compounds were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analyses (UV, IR, MS, 1D, and 2D NMR). All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against three human cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Compounds 1 and 2 have been synthesized and structurally characterized. [•] Compound 1 has a 2D inorganic anionic layer structure. [•] Compound 2 contains a rare anionic octanuclear [Cd8Cl25] cluster. [•] Dielectric properties of 1 and 2 were studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury commonly occurs during perioperative periods, resulting in high morbidity and mortality on a global scale. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is a selective α2-agonist that is frequently applied during perioperative periods for its analgesia effect; however, its ability to provide protection against intestinal I/R injury and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.Methods: To fill this gap, the protection of Dex against I/R injury was examined in a rat model of intestinal I/R injury and in an inflammation cell model, which was induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plus interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) stimulation.Results: Our data demonstrated that Dex had protective effects against intestinal I/R injury in rats. Dex was also found to promote mitophagy and inhibit apoptosis of enteric glial cells (EGCs) in the inflammation cell model. PINK1 downregulated p53 expression by promoting the phosphorylation of HDAC3. Further studies revealed that Dex provided protection against experimentally induced intestinal I/R injury in rats, while enhancing mitophagy, and suppressing apoptosis of EGCs through SIRT3-mediated PINK1/HDAC3/p53 pathway in the inflammation cell model.Conclusion: Hence, these findings provide evidence supporting the protective effect of Dex against intestinal I/R injury and its underlying mechanism involving the SIRT3/PINK1/HDAC3/p53 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amygdalin is commonly distributed in plants of the Rosaceae , such as peach, plum, loquat, apple and bayberry, but most notably in the seeds (kernels) of apricot almonds. As a naturally aromatic cyanogenic compound, it has long been used in Asia, Europe and other regions for the treatment of various diseases including cough, asthma, nausea, leprosy and leukoderma. Importantly, in recent years, an increasing attention has been paid to its antitumor effect. The paper aims to review the pharmacological activities and toxicological effects of amygdalin and provide a reference and perspective for its further investigation. Electronic databases including the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, the Chinese Biological Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database and VIP information database were searched up to November 2019 to identify eligible studies. A meticulous review was performed, an in-depth analysis on the pharmacological activity and toxicology of amygdalin was conducted, and perspectives for future research were also discussed. A total of 110 papers about in vitro / in vivo studies on amygdalin have been reviewed. Analysis on the data suggested that this compound presented pharmacological activities of anti-tumor, anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, anti-atherosclerosis, ameliorating digestive system and reproductive system, improving neurodegeneration and myocardial hypertrophy, as well as reducing blood glucose. In addition, studies revealed that amygdalin's toxicity was caused by its poisonous decomposite product of benzaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide after oral ingestion, toxicity of intravenous administration route was far less than the oral route, and it can be avoidable with an oral dose ranging from 0.6 to 1 g per day. This paper has systematically reviewed the pharmacology and toxicology of amygdalin and provided comprehensive information on this compound. We hope this review highlights some perspectives for the future research and development of amygdalin. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1), a key regulatory enzyme of fatty acid metabolism, catalyzes the conversion of long-chain fatty acids to acyl-coenzyme A. The full-length cDNAs of ACSL1a and ACSL1b were cloned from the liver of a grass carp. Both cDNAs contained a 2094 bp open reading frame encoding 697 amino acids. Amino acid sequence alignment showed that ACSL1a shared 73.5% sequence identity with ACSL1b. Each of the two ACSL1s proteins had a transmembrane domain, a P-loop domain, and L-, A-, and G-motifs, which were relatively conserved in comparison to other vertebrates. Relative expression profile of ACSL1 mRNAs in different tissues indicated that ACSL1a is highly expressed in heart, mesenteric adipose, and brain tissues, whereas ACSL1b is highly expressed in heart, white muscle, foregut, and liver tissues. Nutrient regulation research showed that the expression levels of ACSL1a and ACSL1b were significantly down-regulated when 3, 6, and 9% fish oil were added in diet of grass carp as compared to the control group. However, no significant difference in the levels of ACSL1 mRNA was observed between the experimental groups. This study demonstrated the relationship between ACSL1a and ACSL1b genes in grass carp and laid a foundation for further research on ACSL family members in other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new phenolic acid compounds, asparoffin C (1) and asparoffin D (2), together with four known compounds, asparenyol (3), gobicusin B (4), 1-methoxy-2-hydroxy-4-[5-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-3-penten-1-ynyl] phenol (5), and asparinin A (6), have been isolated from the stems ofAsparagus officinalis. The structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods (MS and 1D and 2D NMR). Compound6has obvious antitumor activities bothin vitroandin vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The lateral hypothalamus (LH) is an important brain region mediating sleep–wake behavior. Recent evidence has shown that astrocytes in central nervous system modulate the activity of adjacent neurons and participate in several physiological functions. However, the role of LH astrocytes in sleep–wake regulation remains unclear. Here, using synchronous recording of electroencephalogram/electromyogram in mice and calcium signals in LH astrocytes, we show that the activity of LH astrocytes is significantly increased during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep-to-wake transitions and decreased during Wake-to-NREM sleep transitions. Chemogenetic activation of LH astrocytes potently promotes wakefulness and maintains long-term arousal, while chemogenetic inhibition of LH astrocytes decreases the total amount of wakefulness in mice. Moreover, by combining chemogenetics with fiber photometry, we show that activation of LH astrocytes significantly increases the calcium signals of adjacent neurons, especially among GABAergic neurons. Taken together, our results clearly illustrate that LH astrocytes are a key neural substrate regulating wakefulness and encode this behavior through surrounding GABAergic neurons. Our findings raise the possibility that overactivity of LH astrocytes may be an underlying mechanism of clinical sleep disorders. • The activity of LH astrocytes increases during NREM sleep-to-wake transitions. • Chemogenetic activation of LH astrocytes increases wakefulness amount and maintains long-term wakefulness in mice. • Chemogenetic inhibition of LH astrocytes reduces the total amount of wakefulness. • Chemogenetic activation of LH astrocytes increases the calcium signals of LH GABAergic neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for simple and rapid detection of Ustilaginoidea virens in rice seeds was developed based on specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To design the specific primers for detection of U. virens, the comparison was made on 5.8S rDNA intra- and inter-specific variations in nucleotide sequences of U. virens and other pathogens: Fusarium verticillioides, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Tilletia barclayana, Fusarium graminearum and Magnaporthe oryzae. A 346-bp fragment could be amplified by using the specific primers uvr-F and uvr-R in U. virens, but not in other test fungi, indicating that the designed primers were specific for the detection of U. virens. U. virens was detected in nine of the 24 tested rice samples, indicating that 37.5% of the rice samples were contaminated with the false smut pathogen. The development of the simple and rapid detection technique using specific primers will be applicable for direct identification of U. virens in rice seeds to screen large numbers of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] MoSi2 can accelerate the re-crystallization process of RSiC. [•] Flexural strength of the composites can reach 94.0MPa. [•] Electrical conductivity mechanism of composites is two shunt-wound equivalent circuit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

False smut, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, is an important emerging disease of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) in China. Up to now, as most varieties with high yielding and good quality are susceptible or even highly susceptible to false smut in most rice-growing ecological regions, especially in Anhui Province, chemical control with fungicides would be an important measure for the control of this disease. The ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor (EBI) fungicides, such as prochloraz, difenoconazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole, are extensively used in China for the control of rice diseases, such as rice sheath blight and rice blast. In this study, a total of 102 U. virens isolates (from Anhui Province of China) were tested for their sensitivity to these four EBI fungicides during the stage of mycelial growth. The EC ranges of values for prochloraz, difenoconazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole inhibiting mycelial growth of the 102 U. virens isolates were 0.04-0.75, 0.04-1.08, 0.04-0.38 and 0.03-0.57 μg ml, with the average EC values of 0.32 ± 0.08, 0.45 ± 0.08, 0.19 ± 0.03 and 0.21 ± 0.06 μg ml, respectively. These values suggested that the tested U. virens isolates were very sensitive to these four EBI fungicides. Results of field trials showed that two sprays of three of the fungicides exhibited greater control efficacy than a single spray for the control of rice false smut. Two sprays of each was better than a single spray for the control of rice sheath blight. Two sprays of 50% propiconazole EC at 300 g a.i. ha gave the best control of rice false smut at both two sites during the two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011, with the control efficacy ranging from 71.5 to 74.3%. Sensitivity of the field U. virens isolates to EBI fungicides should be monitored. Mixtures, as well as alternation with other fungicides with different modes of action, should be tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the combination of a staggered double vane slow wave structure (SWS) and round electron beam, a 200-W W-band traveling-wave tube (TWT) amplifier is studied in this paper. The main advantages of round beam operation over the sheet beam is that the round beam can be formed more easily and the focus requirement can be dramatically reduced. It operates in the fundamental mode at the first spatial harmonic. The geometric parameters are optimized and a transition structure for the slow wave circuit is designed which can well match the signal that enters into and goes out from the tube. Then a TWT model is established and the particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation results show that the tube can provide over 200-W output power in a frequency range of 88 GHz-103 GHz with a maximum power of 289 W at 95 GHz, on the assumption that the input power is 0.1 W and the beam power is 5.155 kW. The corresponding conversion efficiency and gain at 95 GHz are expected to be 5.6% and 34.6 dB, respectively. Such amplifiers can potentially be used in high power microwave-power-modules (MPM) and for other portable applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on a miniaturized, low-voltage, wide-bandwidth, high-efficiency modified V-shaped microstrip meanderline slow-wave structure is presented. This structure is evolved from the original U-shaped microstrip meander-line slowwave structure, combining the advantages of a traditional microstrip and a rectangular helix. In this paper, simulations of the electromagnetic characteristics and the beam-wave interaction of this structure are carried out. Our study shows that when the design voltage and the current of a sheet electron beam are set to be 4700 V and 100 mA, respectively, this miniature millimeter-wave power amplifier is capable of delivering 160-W output power with a corresponding gain of 37.3 dB and a maximum interaction efficiency of 34% at 97 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An open-styled dielectric-lined azimuthally periodic circular waveguide (ODLAP-CW) for a millimeter-wave traveling-wave tube (TWT) is proposed, which is a modified form of a dielectric-lined azimuthally periodic circular waveguide (DLAP-CW). The slow-wave characteristics of the open-styled DLAP-CW are studied by using the spatial harmonics method, which includes normalized phase velocity and interaction impedance. The complicated dispersion equations are numerically solved with MATLAB and the results are in good agreement with the simulation results obtained from HFSS. The influence of structural parameters on the RF properties is investigated based on our theory. The numerical results show that the optimal thickness of the metal rod can increase the interaction impedance, with the dielectric constant held fixed. Finally, the slow-wave characteristics and transmission properties of an open-styled structure are compared with those of the DLAP-CW. The results validate that the mode competition is eliminated in the improved structure with only a slight influence on the dispersion characteristics, which may significantly improve the stability of an open-styled DLAP-CW-based TWT, and the interaction efficiency is also improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Zn(II) complexes, [Zn(L)2(H2O)2] where L is 1-substituted 5-methyl-1H-[1,2,3]-triazole-4-carboxylic acid, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT–IR, and solid-state fluorescent emission spectroscopy. Structures have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing the discrete nature of the complexes in which Zn centers adopt slightly distorted octahedral geometry. In the complexes, the 1-substituted 5-methyl-1H-[1,2,3]-triazole-4-carboxylic acid is bidentate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: At room temperature, the direct Mannich-type reaction of a variety of in situ generated aldimines using aldehydes and anilines with ketones in a three-component reaction was efficiently catalyzed by silica sulfuric acid (SSA) in EtOH. This rapid reaction afforded the corresponding β-amino ketones in good yields with excellent stereoselectivities and catalyst was recyclable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Predatory hunting is an important approach for animals to obtain valuable nutrition and energy, which critically depends on heightened arousal. Yet the neural substrates underlying predatory hunting remain largely undefined. Here, we report that basal forebrain (BF) GABAergic neurons play an important role in regulating predatory hunting. Our results showed that BF GABAergic neurons were activated during the prey (cricket)-hunting and food feeding in mice. Optogenetic activation of BF GABAergic neurons evoked immediate predatory-like actions to both artificial and natural preys, significantly reducing the attack latency while increasing the attack probability and the number of killed natural prey (crickets). Similar to the effect of activating the soma of BF GABAergic neurons, photoactivation of their terminals in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) also strongly promotes predatory hunting. Moreover, photoactivation of GABAergic BF - VTA pathway significantly increases the intake of various food in mice. By synchronous recording of electroencephalogram and electromyogram, we showed that photoactivation of GABAergic BF - VTA pathway induces instant arousal and maintains long-term wakefulness. In summary, our results clearly demonstrated that the GABAergic BF is a key neural substrate for predatory hunting, and promotes this behavior through GABAergic BF - VTA pathway. • The activity of BF GABAergic neurons is increased during the predation and feeding in mice. • Photoactivation of BF GABAergic neurons elicits predatory attacks on preys, increasing attack probability and number of kills. • Activating BF GABAergic terminals in the VTA strongly promotes predatory hunting. • Activation of GABAergic BF-VTA pathway induces instant arousal and maintains long-term wakefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glutamatergic lateral hypothalamus (LH) has been implicated in a variety of behaviors, such as evasion and feeding, while its role in defensive behaviors and relevant neurocircuits remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the glutamatergic LH is a critical structure regulating defensive behaviors. Trimethylthiazole (TMT), the odor of mice predator, significantly increased c-Fos expression in the LH. Using fiber photometry technology, we found that TMT exposure increased the activity of LH glutamatergic neurons. Selective activation of LH glutamatergic neurons with optogenetics and chemogenetics promoted a series of defense-related behaviors, including fleeing, avoidance, and hiding, while selective inhibition of LH glutamatergic neurons suppressed the avoidance provoked by TMT. Activation of both the glutamatergic LH terminals in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the glutamatergic projection from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) to the LH elicited defensive behaviors. Finally, by combining the viral-mediated retrograde tracing with anterograde activation, we found that PVN-projecting glutamatergic neurons in the LH were activated by BLA glutamatergic inputs. Taken together, our results illustrate that the glutamatergic LH is a pivotal relay of defensive behaviors and possibly promotes these behaviors through the BLA→LH→PVN pathway. • Trimethylthiazole (TMT), the odor of mouse predator, increases the activity of LH glutamatergic neurons in mice. • Activation of LH glutamatergic neurons promotes a series of defensive behaviors, including fleeing, avoidance and hiding; while inhibition of these neurons suppresses the TMT-induced avoidance. • Optogenetic activation of LH glutamatergic terminals in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) induces defensive behaviors. • Retrograde activation of the glutamatergic projection from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) to the LH induces defensive behaviors. • The PVN-projecting glutamatergic neurons in the LH are activated by BLA glutamatergic inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obesity epidemic is a global problem and a great challenge for public health. Overconsumption of food, especially palatable food, is the leading cause of obesity. The precise neural circuits underlying food overconsumption remain unclear and require further characterization. In the present study, we showed that Ca2+ signals of GABAergic neurons within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) increased after the onset of food intake, especially high-fat or high-sugar chow. Optogenetic activation of VTA GABAergic neurons evoked immediate eating of palatable food and significantly increased palatable food intake in satiated mice. Photoinhibition of VTA GABAergic neurons suppressed palatable food intake. Surprisingly, photoactivation of VTA GABAergic neurons suppressed the intake of standard chow in fasted mice, but did not reduce the duration of eating of standard chow. Moreover, we found that photoactivation of these neurons drove a series of anxiety-like behaviors in the open field, elevated plus maze, and marble-burying test. Additionally, we found that VTA GABAergic neurons sent abundant projections to the lateral hypothalamus and photoactivation of GABAergic VTA terminals in the lateral hypothalamus induced overconsumption of palatable food, but not anxiety-like behaviors. Taken together, our results illustrate that GABAergic VTA neurons are a key node in the neural circuitry underlying anxiety-like behavior and over-feeding of palatable food, and that over-excitation of GABAergic VTA neurons may underlie clinical diseases related to anxiety and obesity. • Calcium signal of VTA GABAergic neurons is increased during the feeding of palatable food and various anxiogenic stimuli. • Photoactivation of VTA GABAergic neurons increases palatable food intake and drives anxiety-like behavior in mice. • Photoactivation of VTA-LH GABAergic pathway promotes palatable food consumption, but not anxiety-like behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]