Leptin has concentration and stage-dependent effects on embryonic development in vitro
Muren Herrid1, Van Ly Nguyen, Geoff Hinch
1Animal Physiology, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2350, Australia. muren.herrid@csiro.au
Reproduction (Cambridge, England)
|August 4, 2006
Summary
Leptin influences early embryo development in a dose- and stage-dependent manner. Low leptin concentrations (10 ng/ml) promote blastocyst formation, while high concentrations (100 ng/ml) can inhibit it, with effects varying by embryonic stage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Leptin's role in pre-implantation embryonic development is suggested but not fully understood.
- A concentration- and stage-dependent regulatory pattern of leptin in embryo development requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentration- and stage-dependent effects of leptin on early embryo development.
- To explore the expression of leptin and its receptors in developing embryos.
Main Methods:
- Mouse and sheep embryos were cultured in vitro with varying concentrations of human recombinant leptin.
- Embryo development rates, blastocyst cell numbers, and leptin/leptin receptor expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 10 ng/ml leptin significantly enhanced mouse embryo development to blastocysts and hatching.
- 100 ng/ml leptin significantly inhibited embryo development, with effects varying by developmental stage.
- High leptin concentration's inhibitory effect was reduced when added at the eight-cell stage.
- Leptin mRNA was not detected in mouse embryos, but leptin receptor isoforms (Ob-Ra, Ob-Rb, Ob-Re) were present.
Conclusions:
- Leptin exhibits a concentration- and stage-dependent regulatory pattern in early embryonic development.
- Leptin likely modulates embryo development through a paracrine signaling system via its receptors.
