pro-opiomelanocortin neuron
pro-opiomelanocortin neuron
"A neuron of the central nervous system that expresses POMC and synthesizes the POMC precursor polypeptide. This neuron type is located in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the brainstem. The pro-opiomelanocortin neuron is part of the central melanocortin system and it is involved in regulating energy homeostasis, metabolism, and appetite. This neuronal type responds to hormonal signals such as levels of leptin and insulin, and its activation results in the release of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which acts on melanocortin receptors to suppress food intake and increase energy expenditure."