Work on the .22Selfish Brain.22 theory Selfish brain theory

1 work on selfish brain theory

1.1 basics of theory
1.2 integrative power of “selfish brain theory
1.3 founding of selfish brain research group
1.4 train brain : therapy of obesity based on selfish brain theory
1.5 experimental evidence─ theory’s scope of validity

work on selfish brain theory
the basics of theory

in 1998 achim peters drafted basic version of “selfish brain theory , formulated axioms. in explanation of “selfish brain” theory referred approx. 5000 published citations classical endocrinology , diabetology , modern neurosciences, argued both mathematically (using differential equations) , system theoretically. novel methodological approach diabetology. regulation of adenosine tripophoshate content plays central role (a type of energy currency organism) in brain.

peters assumes double feedback structure, atp content in neurons of brain stabilized measurements 2 sensors of differing sensitivity produce raw energy request signals. more sensitive sensor records atp deficits , induces allocation signal glucose compensated requests body. other less sensitive sensor activated glucose excesses , conveys signal halt brain glucose allocation. optimal atp quantity determined balance between these receptor signals.

peters considers stress system operates according double feedback structure, closely related supply of glucose brain. if individual confronted stress-inducing stimulus, responds increased central-nervous information processing , along increased glucose requirement in brain. hormone cortisol, important regulating stress reactions, , hormone adrenaline, important glucose procurement, released adrenal glands. amount of cortisol released determined balance between sensitive , less sensitive sensor, case control of atp content. process terminated if stress system returns resting state.

this model underlies axioms “selfish brain theory developed peters:

integrative power of “selfish brain theory

the selfish brain theory integrated concept, since methodological standpoint can seen union of 2 separate research directions. on 1 hand integrates peripheral metabolism research investigates how energy metabolism functions through intake of nutrients organs of body. on other incorporates results of brain metabolism expert luc pellerin university of lausanne, found neurons in brain supplied energy via neighboring astrocytes whenever required. requirement oriented principle nerve cells termed energy on demand .

with approach selfish brain theory recognizes description of 2 ends of supply chain. brain doesn’t control supply chain, end consumer, , not body through supply chain passes. priority of brain implies regulation of energy supply in human organism accomplished demand rather supply principle: energy ordered when needed.

fig. 1: energy supply chain of selfish brain .

if atp concentration drops in nerve cells of brain, cerebral mechanism (pull 1) set in motion increases energy flux directed body brain according energy on demand principle. (solid arrows show stimulation, interrupted arrows inhibition; yellow means: belongs controlling brain parts ). if energy content in body falls (blood, adipose tissue), falling glucose , falling adipose tissue hormone leptin induce cerebral mechanism (pull 2). entails more energy absorbed immediate environment body (ingestion behavior). when available supplies in immediate vicinity disappear, further cerebral mechanism (pull 3) initiates moving , exploration, i.e. foraging food. glucostatic , lipostatic theories describe second step in supply chain (area dark grey background). selfish brain theory links 2 traditional theories , expands them considering brain end consumer in continuous supply chain (light gray)


the founding of selfish brain research group

after axioms formulated in 1998 achim peters sought experts in other specialties develop selfish brain theory further. @ stage had matched ideas views of other leading international scientists. amongst them swiss brain metabolism specialist luc pellerin, renowned obesity expert denis g. baskin, internationally famous stress researcher mary dallman , renowned neurobiologist larry w. swanson. @ university of luebeck achim peters compared findings well-known neuroendocrinologist prof. dr. horst lorenz fehm. year later in 1999 intensive collaboration started psychiatrist , psychotherapist prof. dr. ulrich schweiger worked @ university of luebeck.

in 2004 interdisciplinary research group: selfish brain: brain glucose , metabolic syndrome supported german research foundation (dfg) officially founded. achim peters appointed professorship created group. succeeded in winning on additional reputable scientists project, including prof. dr. rolf hilgenfeld, eminent sars expert , developer of 1 of first inhibitors of virus. @ time research group consists of 18 scientific subproject investigators number of specialties including internal medicine, psychiatry, neurobiology, molecular medicine , mathematics. advisory committee includes professors luc pellerin, denis baskin , mary dallman under ranks.

train brain : therapy of obesity based on selfish brain theory

according “selfish brain” theory obesity can attributed psychological causes. poor coping strategies in stress situations represent 1 of these. association found between tendency evade conflict, , habit of reducing psychological stress consuming sweets. direct supply of glucose circumvents glucose procurement body otherwise occur normal allocation process following release of stress hormone adrenaline. existing allocation problem obesity can made worse such bad behavior. stress system can weakened further because may forget how react autonomously.

these relationships have led development of innovative multidisciplinary psychiatric , internal medical program @ university of luebeck obesity therapy. prof. dr. ulrich schweiger of clinic psychiatry , psychotherapy led prof. dr. f. hohagen has been key player in development. in close cooperation schweiger, internist achim peters derived therapeutic concept “selfish brain” theory fixed on both feelings , coordinated behavior emanating brain. aim of therapy modify settings , behaviors coded in emotional memory centers of brain have become habit. train brain catchphrase describing these therapeutic measures may enabled unusual plasticity , learning-capacity of brain. might involve practicing of eating behaviors can tolerated health perspective, , combining reduction in detrimental habits. however, involve modification of behaviors associated handling of conflicts , other stress situations. according view of “selfish brain” research group, if defective allocation compensated chronically consuming foodstuffs, risk arises eating become reaction situation requires considerably more complex social behavior. therapy of obesity therefore has both physiological , psychological component: not ability allocate must restored, actions , behaviors in everyday life.

experimental evidence─ theory’s scope of validity

in first dfg funding period 2004 2007 researchers clinical research group “selfish brain: brain glucose , metabolic syndrome expanded scope of validity of “selfish brain theory in central aspects carrying out experiments on healthy , diseased test subjects. researchers in luebeck found following key results regarding axioms of theory:

the brain maintains own glucose content selfishly
the brain supplied greater energy share body in extreme stress situations
in overweight individuals brain’s energy distribution mechanism disrupted
with chronic stress loads energy flux between brain , body diverted, phenomenon leads development of overweight
nerve cells record atp content using 2 sensors of differing sensitivity
the resting state of stress system fine-tuned of 2 cortisol receptors of differing sensitivity

the special position of brain during inanition (due fasting or tumor disease) confirmed experimentally on 80 years ago: body mass reduces, mass of brain hardly reduces, if @ (see 3). axiom of selfish brain theory supported work @ university of luebeck involving state-of-the-art magnetic resonance procedures, e.g. during metabolic stress. atp content in brain , musculature of test subjects examined magnetic resonance technique while either energy deficit or surplus induced in blood insulin or glucose injection. in both situations sufficiently high atp-concentration measured in brain. measured high-energy-rich substances changed throughout benefit of brain , disadvantage of body cells. glucose-supply of brain had priority despite physical stress being endured (see 11).

some of results presented @ international congress organized selfish brain” research group @ 23 , 24 february 2006 in luebeck @ press conference aimed @ both specialists , wider public.

in second funding period has been running since end of 2007, clarification of following questions has become focus of interest:

how reward system of selfish brain function , how lead amongst obese individuals faulty programming of energy management?
how can redirection of metabolic fluxes learned , trained?
how comfort feeding affect stress reactions?
how glucose requirement of brain increased in stress situations?
what molecular supply chain brain cells request glucose when needed like?
can viruses block supply chain brain cells?




^ peters et al. 2007.
^ oltmanns, melchert & scholand-engler 2008.
^ steinkamp et al. 2007.
^ schweiger, greggersen & rudolf 2008.