The NPY intergeniculate leaflet projections to the suprachiasmatic nucleus transmit metabolic conditions.

•NPY in the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) is up regulated in fasting conditions.•This up regulation is also reflected by an increase of NPY in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).•Refeeding and lesioning revealed that metabolic information from the IGL inhibits SCN.•IGL receives neuronal projections from the Nucleus Gracilis and NTS.•Metabolic information to the SCN serves to adapt locomotor activity depending on the energy status.