A potential link between dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus NPY and energy balance.

The function of dorsomedial hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) in energy balance has largely been restricted to lactation-induced hyperphagia. In this issue, Chao et al. (2011) expand this role to include inhibition of both brown fat thermogenesis and conversion of white-to-brown adipocytes in a white fat depot, resulting in reduced energy expenditure.