Leptin: the weight-reducing plasma protein encoded by the obese gene

Nutr Rev. 1996 Mar;54(3):91-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.1996.tb03878.x.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Appetite / physiology
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / physiology
  • Insulin / blood
  • Leptin
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Obese
  • Neuropeptide Y / metabolism
  • Neuropeptide Y / physiology
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Proteins / analysis
  • Proteins / genetics*
  • Proteins / physiology*
  • Weight Loss / genetics
  • Weight Loss / physiology*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Leptin
  • Neuropeptide Y
  • Proteins