Temperature Detection and Thermoregulation
Heat stimuli reach thermoregulatory neurons in the hypothalamic preoptic area (POA) via parabrachial thermo-afferent pathways (LPBN). Sustained, long-term heat exposure triggers an adaptive process that transforms LepR-expressing POA neurons to become tonically active and warm-sensitive. This form of cellular plasticity, which is mediated in part by the activity of a voltage-gated sodium channel, increases heat tolerance in mice to protect the animals from the detrimental effects of hot environments.
