Consistent with their hypophagic state, expression of orexigenic neuropeptides AgRP and NPY decreased and POMC expression increased (Fig. 2A and B) in the ARC of nicotine-treated rats. No significant changes were detected in CART mRNA expression in the ARC (Fig. 2B). Nicotine treatment also reduced FAS mRNA expression (Fig. 2C) and activity (Fig. 2D) in the VMH. Recent data have demonstrated that inhibition of this enzyme in this hypothalamic nucleus induces anorexia (26). In keeping with the mRNA and activity data, FAS protein expression was reduced in the hypothalamus of nicotine-treated rats (Fig. 2E).
