Effect of DMHF (2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone) inhalation on gene expression in Rat brain

Results: The inhalation of DMHF increased the dietary intake of rats during the feeding period. However, body weight gain was suppressed after six weeks of feeding. A DNA microarray analysis showed that DMHF altered gene expression associated with feeding behavior and neurotransmission in the rat brain. Conclusion: DMHF inhalation promotes appetite and changes gene expression in rats. Furthermore, phenotypic changes may regulate neurotransmission and appetite at the mRNA level in addition to controlling the autonomic nervous system.