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The obesity in bilateral ovariectomized rats is related to a decrease in the expression of leptin receptors in the
Mitsuhiro Kimura1, Minoru Irahara, Toshiyuki Yasui
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokushima School of Medicine, Tokushima, Japan.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|January 29, 2002
Summary
Ovariectomized rats showed decreased leptin receptor (OB-R) mRNA in the brain, contributing to weight gain. Estradiol supplementation reversed these changes, highlighting OB-R's role in appetite regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Ovariectomy (OVX) in rats leads to increased body weight.
- Leptin signaling is crucial for regulating energy balance and body weight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of leptin receptors (OB-R) in the brain of OVX rats.
- To determine the role of OB-R in the body weight increase observed after ovariectomy.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of gene expression levels (ob mRNA, OB-R mRNA, OB-RL mRNA) between OVX and SHAM-operated rats.
- Measurement of body weight and serum leptin concentrations.
- Assessment of the effects of 17 beta-estradiol supplementation in OVX rats.
Main Results:
- OVX rats exhibited lower adipose ob mRNA expression and higher body weight compared to SHAM rats.
- Serum leptin concentrations did not differ between OVX and SHAM groups.
- Leptin receptor (OB-R) mRNA, including the long form (OB-RL) in the hypothalamus, was significantly reduced in OVX rats.
- Estradiol supplementation normalized these OB-R expression changes.
Conclusions:
- Reduced brain OB-R mRNA expression is implicated in the weight gain associated with ovariectomy.
- Decreased OB-R function may impair leptin's appetite-suppressing signals, leading to increased food intake and body weight.
- Estrogen plays a role in regulating leptin receptor expression in the brain.