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Dual effect of insulin on in vitro leptin secretion by adipose tissue

X Casabiell1, V Piñeiro, L F De la Cruz

  • 1Endocrine Section, Hospital de Conxo, Spain. xcasab@lugo.usc.es

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|October 12, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Insulin has a dual effect on leptin secretion: an early inhibition followed by later stimulation. This effect, dependent on glucose uptake, involves posttranslational modifications, not changes in ob mRNA levels.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolism

Background:

  • Insulin is widely accepted to stimulate leptin secretion.
  • The precise mechanisms and temporal dynamics of insulin's effect on leptin are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the temporal effects of insulin on leptin secretion in vitro.
  • To determine the role of glucose metabolism in insulin-mediated leptin regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a validated in vitro system to study adipose cells.
  • Measured leptin secretion over time (0-96 hours) under varying glucose concentrations.
  • Assessed the impact of glucose uptake inhibitors on leptin secretion.
  • Analyzed ob mRNA levels to explore regulatory mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Observed a biphasic effect of insulin on leptin secretion: initial inhibition (<48h) followed by stimulation (48-96h).
  • The stimulatory phase was dependent on physiological or supraphysiological glucose concentrations.
  • Inhibition of glucose uptake abolished the stimulatory effect.
  • No significant changes in ob mRNA levels were detected, indicating posttranslational regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Insulin exerts a dual, time-dependent effect on adipose cell leptin secretion.
  • Early insulin action inhibits leptin release, while later effects stimulate it, linked to increased glucose uptake and subsequent metabolic changes.
  • Regulation of leptin secretion by insulin occurs at the posttranslational level.

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