Homeostatic thermogenesis is an essential protective feature of endotherms. However, the specific neuronal types involved in cold-induced thermogenesis remain largely unknown. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and in situ hybridization, we screened for cold-sensitive neurons and found preprodynorphin (PDYN)-expressing cells in the dorsal medial region of the ventromedial hypothalamus (dmVMH) to be a candidate. Subsequent in vivo calcium recording showed that cold temperature activates dmVMH^Pdyn neurons, whereas hot temperature suppresses them. In addition, optogenetic activation of dmVMH^Pdyn neurons increases the brown adipose tissue and core body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, whereas optogenetic inhibition shows opposite effects, supporting their role in homeostatic thermogenesis. Furthermore, we found that dmVMH^Pdyn neurons are linked to known thermoregulatory circuits. Importantly, dmVMH^Pdyn neurons also show activation during mouse social interaction, and optogenetic inhibition suppresses social interaction and associated hyperthermia. Together, our study describes dual functions of dmVMH^Pdyn neurons that allow coordinated regulation of body temperature and social behaviors.

稳态产热是吸热的基本保护特征。然而，参与冷诱导产热的特定神经元类型仍然很大程度上未知。使用功能性磁共振成像和原位杂交，我们筛选了冷敏感神经元，发现下丘脑腹内侧 (dmVMH) 背内侧区域的前强啡肽 (PDYN) 表达细胞是候选者。随后的体内钙记录表明，低温激活了 dmVMH ^Pdyn 神经元，而高温则抑制了它们。此外，dmVMH ^{Pdyn的光遗传学激活}神经元增加棕色脂肪组织和核心体温、心率和血压，而光遗传学抑制显示相反的效果，支持它们在稳态产热中的作用。此外，我们发现 dmVMH ^Pdyn 神经元与已知的体温调节电路有关。重要的是，dmVMH ^Pdyn 神经元在小鼠社交互动期间也表现出激活，并且光遗传学抑制抑制社交互动和相关的高热。总之，我们的研究描述了 dmVMH ^Pdyn 神经元的双重功能，可以协调调节体温和社会行为。