ROLE OF THE BETA(3)-ADRENOCEPTOR IN THE CONTROL OF LEPTIN EXPRESSION

The inhibitory effect of beta-adrenoceptor agonists on leptin expressi on in brown and white adipose tissues is now well documented both in v ivo and in vitro. It suggests the existence in vivo of a retroregulato ry loop by which leptin inhibits its own expression via the sympatheti c nervous system and the beta(3)-adrenoceptor. The hypothesis that the defect in beta(3)-adrenoceptor described in the adipose tissue of her editary obese rodents can contribute to the resistance to leptin and t o the increase in leptin expression observed in these animals is discu ssed.