A Novel Hypothalamic Factor, Neurosecretory Protein GM, Causes Fat Deposition in Chicks

ABSTRACT We recently discovered a novel cDNA encoding the precursor of a small secretory protein, neurosecretory protein GM (NPGM), in the mediobasal hypothalamus of chickens. Although our previous study showed that subcutaneous infusion of NPGM for 6 days increased body mass in chicks, the chronic effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of NPGM remains unknown. In this study, chronic i.c.v. infusion of NPGM for 2 weeks significantly increased body mass, water intake, and the mass of abdominal fat in chicks, whereas NPGM did not affect food intake, muscle mass, or blood glucose concentration. Morphological analyses revealed that fat accumulation occurred in both liver and abdominal fat. These results indicate that NPGM may participate in fat storage in chicks.