For the first time, the effect of food deprivation on diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) gene expression in glial cells has been investigated. Compère et al. have shown that acute fasting in mice dramatically reduces DBI mRNA levels in the hypothalamus and ependyma bordering the third and lateral ventricles. These studies support the role of glial cells in signalling to neurons involved in central regulation of energy homeostasis. Compère et al. (2010), Journal of Molecular Endocrinology.

DOI: 10.1677/JME-09-0176