New work from scientists at the University of Iowa has shown that our brains have neurons that control our appetite for salt. They are called HSD2.
A team of specialists from the University of Iowa made a new discovery based on studying the action of aldosterone. This is the key hormone that controls sodium levels.
For the first time, scientists have confirmed that a lack of sodium in the diet of mice increases aldosterone production and salt intake. It also increases the activity of a small group of neurons in the brainstem called HSD2.
Experts used genetically targeted cell ablation to show that HSD2 neurons are needed for salt intake, which is driven by aldosterone. Moreover, they were able to discover that humans also have a small number of HSD2 neurons in the same part of the brain stem as animals.
Overall, the results of the experiment show that aldosterone influences a tiny population of HSD2 neurons (there are approximately 200 HSD2 neurons in mice, and 1,000 in humans), causing the behavior in which we seek and eat sodium. Increasing the appetite for salt may be the only central function of these neurons.
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