Cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) codes for a neuropeptide system with a number of biological roles. The high conservation of CART across species suggests that it has an important role in mammalian physiology. CART is widely expressed in the central nervous system and the periphery, but is particularly concentrated in the hypothalamus. CART peptides appear to have an important function in the regulation of energy homeostasis. CART interacts with a number of central appetite circuits. Hypothalamic CART expression is regulated by a number of peripheral factors, including the adipose hormone leptin. Several research groups have shown that intracerebroventricular administration of CART (55-102) reduces appetite and stimulates energy expenditure. Animal studies show that CART knockout mice demonstrate small but significant increases in weekly food consumption, body weight and fat mass compared with their wild-type littermates when on a high-fat diet. These reports suggest that CART peptide acts as an endogenous inhibitor of food intake. On the other hand, hypothalamic CART may also play an orexigenic role under specific circumstances, as injection of CART (55-102) into specific hypothalamic nuclei increases food intake.The CART system demonstrates multiple roles in energy homeostasis, depending on the internal and external milieu. The development of specific CART antagonists would be very useful in dissecting these multiple roles.

Standard, Biotinylated CART peptide, and Positive Control should be stored at -20°C after arrival. Avoid multiple freeze-thaws. The remaining kit components may be stored at 4°C. Opened Microplate Wells and antibody (Item N) may be stored for up to 1 month at 2° to 8°C. Return unused wells to the pouch containing desiccant pack and reseal along entire edge.