Posted by Cam W. on February 16, 2001, at 11:02:59
In reply to Miscellaneous Lunar Issues - Stop Thread Request, posted by SLS on February 16, 2001, at 10:09:46
Scott - Are you thinking about beta3-adrenergic receptors? They are expressed primarily in fat (adipose) tissue, where they regulate energy metabolism and thermogenesis (turning fat into heat and energy). It is signalled by norepinephrine.
I believe that the Pima Indians from Arizona and certain Japanese people have genetic varients of this receptor. This varient constitutes a suseptibility factor for the onset of morbid obesity (as well as non-insulin-dependent diabetes).
Someone, I can't remember who, is working on an obesity treatment by stimulating metabolism (ie via burning off fat stores). This was a while ago and I haven't heard what has happened to this research.
Silbutramine increases norepinephrine peripherally at the beta3-adrenergic receptors in fat tissue. This stimulates thermogenesis and oxygen consumption, supposedly leading to weight loss. I haven't heard any extraordinary claims about this drug, though (yet). Perhaps adding them to 5-HT2C receptor agonists will increase it's potency (when they find aa selective effective and safe 5-HT2C receptor agonist).
Talk to you soon - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:54100
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010212/msgs/54152.html