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A Simple and Reproducible Method to Prepare Membrane Samples from Freshly Isolated Rat Brain Microvessels
Published on: May 7, 2018
Expression of leptin receptor isoforms in rat brain microvessels
C Bjørbaek1, J K Elmquist, P Michl
1Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Endocrinology
|July 29, 1998
Summary
Leptin
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Leptin regulates body weight by acting on brain regions.
- Leptin, produced by adipose tissue, must cross brain barriers to reach its targets.
- Leptin receptor isoforms in brain capillaries remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify leptin receptor isoforms in rat brain microvessels.
- To investigate the role of leptin receptor isoforms in blood-brain barrier transport.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative RT-PCR on purified rat brain microvessels.
- In situ hybridization to localize leptin receptor mRNA expression.
Main Results:
- Short form leptin receptor mRNA is highly expressed in brain microvessels, exceeding choroid plexus levels.
- Low levels of long form leptin receptor mRNA were found in microvessels.
- Short leptin receptors are strongly expressed in microvessels, choroid plexus, and leptomeninges.
Conclusions:
- Brain microvessel leptin receptor expression suggests a role in leptin transport across the blood-brain barrier.
- The short form leptin receptor isoform may mediate leptin transport into the brain.
- Findings provide insights into leptin's central actions and body weight regulation.
