UP-REGULATION OF LEPTIN RECEPTOR MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION IN OBESE MOUSE-BRAIN

LEPTIN receptor gene expression in the brains of lean (+/+) and obese (ob/ob) C57Bl/6 mice was examined using a non-radioactive in situ hybr idization detection method. Significant increases in leptin receptor m RNA expression were found in the ventromedial and arcuate hypothalamic nuclei, piriform and olfactory cortices and medial habenular nucleus. There changes in the amount expression in hippocampus proper (CA1-3). Results indicated that leptin receptor is upregulated when there is a lack of functional leptin, as in hereditary obese (ob/ob) mice. It is also suggested that leptin receptor may be an autoreceptor.