Our research focuses on the control of eating and regulation of energy homeostasis, including its disturbances.
The picture shows a cross-section through the hindbrain of a rat at the level of the area postrema (AP, the triangular structure on top), a circumventricular organ with chemosensory function. Another structure in the hindbrain integrating afferent nerve information is the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS, not labeled). It is between the AP and the dorsal motor nuclei of the vagus (DMX, the two flat structures below) that contain the cell bodies of vagal efferents and thus represent the major efferent vagal output to the gut. These hindbrain structures exemplify our work because they are crucial for the control of meal size and frequency.
Please explore our website to learn more.