Question:

Which of the following increases appetite?

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Look for the orexigenic peptide that blocks the MC4 melanocortin receptor.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • CART
  • α-MSH
  • AGRP
  • Insulin
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Appetite is regulated by the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, which contains two opposing groups of neurons. Orexigenic neurons increase appetite, while anorexigenic neurons decrease it.

Step 2: AGRP (agouti-related peptide), co-released with neuropeptide Y, is the orexigenic signal. It increases food intake, both by directly stimulating feeding pathways and by blocking the melanocortin (MC4) receptor that normally suppresses appetite. So AGRP increases appetite.

Step 3: The other options are all anorexigenic. CART (cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript) and α-MSH are released by the POMC neurons and reduce appetite. Insulin, like leptin, signals energy sufficiency to the hypothalamus and also reduces appetite.

Step 4: Hence the only appetite-increasing agent in the list is AGRP, option c. (The option is printed as AGPP, an OCR error for AGRP.)
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