Effect of leptin on hypothalamic gene expression in calorie-restricted rats

Toshimitsu Komatsu, Takuya Chiba, Haruyoshi Yamaza, Kazuo To, Hiroaki Toyama, Yoshikazu Higami, Isao Shimokawa*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Diminished leptin signaling to the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus (ARH) may induce calorie restriction (CR)-specific neuroendocrine and metabolic adaptation, which is potentially relevant to the effect of CR. The present study investigated whether restoration of leptin signaling to the ARH could reverse CR-induced alterations in neuropeptide gene expression in rats. Male F344 rats, fed ad libitum or a 30% CR diet from 6 weeks of age, received leptin or vehicle intracerebroventricularly for 14 days via osmotic mini-pumps implanted in the subcutis at 34 weeks of age. The messenger RNA levels were quantified by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using total RNA extracted from microdissected tissues containing the ARH. The results indicated that leptin administration reversed the upregulated expression of neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein genes in CR rats, suggesting the possibility of a role for the leptin-ARH pathway in the effect of CR.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)890-898
Number of pages9
JournalJournals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
Volume61
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006 Sept
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ageing
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of leptin on hypothalamic gene expression in calorie-restricted rats'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this