Abstract
Leptin, the protein encoded by the recently cloned obese gene, has the properties of a hormone released by adipose tissue, regulating appetite and energy expenditure. Injected leptin reduces body weight and food intake in mice, and in obese, diabetic mice (with a mutated obese gene), it also reduces plasma insulin and glucose. Leptin release is stimulated by insulin; leptin appears to act on the hypothalamus by inhibiting the release of the neuropeptide Y.
MeSH terms
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Adipose Tissue / metabolism
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Animals
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Appetite / physiology
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Blood Glucose / analysis
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Energy Metabolism / physiology
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Humans
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Hypothalamus / physiology
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Insulin / blood
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Leptin
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Obese
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Neuropeptide Y / metabolism
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Neuropeptide Y / physiology
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Obesity / genetics*
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Obesity / physiopathology*
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Proteins / analysis
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Proteins / genetics*
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Proteins / physiology*
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Weight Loss / genetics
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Weight Loss / physiology*
Substances
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Blood Glucose
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Insulin
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Leptin
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Neuropeptide Y
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Proteins