Identification of leptin in human saliva

Leptin is produced predominantly in adipose tissue but has recently also been found in gastric mucosa. It has been shown that the oral application of leptin induces neuronal activity in the brain stem of rodents. The objective of the present study was to identify this hormone in human saliva and to examine the production and stability of salivary leptin. We have demonstrated production of leptin in salivary glands and oral mucosa by RT-PCR, its storage by immunocytochemistry, and the release of the peptide by RIA. Chromatographic analysis and immunoblotting confirmed the identity of leptin. There is a strong linear correlation (r2 = 0.78) between leptin concentrations from simultaneously collected saliva and plasma samples (n = 61). Stimulation of saliva flow increases total leptin secretion up to 3-fold (P < 0.001). As to the stability of leptin in gastric fluid, we found the peptide was not degraded above pH 3.5. Additionally, salivary leptin remains stable up to 5 d at 4 C. With regard to the presence of leptin receptors in gastric mucosa, we suggest salivary leptin as being a possible ligand for gastric leptin receptors. Furthermore, the determination of leptin in saliva allows for noninvasive sample collection.