Effects of endogenous sugar acids on the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus of the rat.

Effects of certain endogenous sugar acids such as 2-deoxytetronic acid (2-DTA) and 3-deoxypentonic acid (3-DPA) were investigated on the neuronal activity of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) in the rat. Electrophoretically applied 2-DTA significantly and specifically facilitated the activity of glucoreceptor neurons in the VMH, while 3-DPA suppressed their activity. However, non-glucoreceptor neurons were not affected by these sugar acids. These results reinforces the previous suggestion that 2-DTA and 3-DPA also might act as endogenous satiety and hunger substances, respectively.