Effects of estrogen on food intake, serum leptin levels and leptin mRNA expression in adipose tissue of female rats

• Published in: Laboratory animal research Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 168 - 173
• Main Authors: Fungfuan, W., Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan, Terad, M., Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan, Komatsu, N., Civil International Corporation, Ueno, Taito, Japan, Moon, C.J., Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea, Saito, T.R., Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 한국실험동물학회 01.09.2013; Korean Association for Laboratory Animal Science
• Subjects: BLOOD PROTEINS; Estradiol,ovariectomized rats; FOOD INTAKE; GAIN DE POIDS; GANANCIA DE PESO; INGESTION DE ALIMENTOS; Original; PRISE ALIMENTAIRE (HOMME); PROTEINAS SANGUINEAS; PROTEINE SANGUINE; WEIGHT GAIN; 수의학; ovariectomized rats; Estradiol; leptin; food intake
• ISSN: 1738-6055; 2233-7660
• DOI: 10.5625/lar.2013.29.3.168

The integration of metabolism and reproduction involves complex interactions of hypothalamic neuropeptides with metabolic hormones, fuels, and sex steroids. Of these, estrogen influences food intake, body weight, and the accumulation and distribution of adipose tissue. In this study, the effects of estrogen on food intake, serum leptin levels, and leptin mRNA expression were evaluated in ovariectomized rats. Seven-week-old female Wistar-Imamichi rats were ovariectomized and divided into three treatment groups: group 1 (the control group) received sesame oil, group 2 was given 17β-estradiol benzoate, and group 3 received 17β-estradiol benzoate plus progesterone. The body weight and food consumption of each rat were determined daily. Serum leptin levels and leptin mRNA expression were measured by ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Food consumption in the control group was significantly higher (P0.05) than that in groups 2 and 3, although body weight did not significantly differ among the three groups. The serum leptin concentration and leptin mRNA expression were significantly higher (P0.05) in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1, but no significant difference existed between groups 2 and 3. In conclusion, estrogen influenced food intake via the modulation of leptin signaling pathway in ovariectomized rats.