A new study from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows that the brain’s preoptic area helps mice regulate their body weight, and that temperature-sensing nerve cells in that part of the brain could be used to curb weight gain.
The preoptic area (POA) is a small site critical to maintaining body temperature in warm-blooded animals, including humans, via temperature-sensing neurons. These nerve cells express the receptor for the hormone leptin, well-known for its effect on regulating body temperature and weight.
Baton Rouge General’s Foundation celebrated patients and their families at the annual Experience the Difference luncheon. The event, sponsored by Hancock Whitney and held at the Renaissance Hotel, raised money to support patients at Baton Rouge General.