Fig. 6
From: Platelet-derived growth factor signaling in pericytes promotes hypothalamic inflammation and obesity
Overview of the mechanism underlying chronic hypothalamic inflammation by pericyte-microglial interactions in early obesity. A presumed mechanism of obesity based on the present study. Upon HFD, pericytes receive inflammatory inputs in addition to PDGF signaling, which changes their secretome to an inflammatory phenotype. Secreted factors mobilize microglial polarization and enhance chronic inflammation in the hypothalamus. Inflammation modulates neuronal activity and decreases energy expenditure to further promote obesity