DEXAMETHASONE STIMULATES LEPTIN RELEASE FROM HUMAN ADIPOCYTES - UNEXPECTED INHIBITION BY INSULIN

In the present study we have examined the effect of dexamethasone on o b gene mRNA expression and leptin release from isolated human subcutan eous adipocytes. Dexamethasone stimulated leptin release from cultured adipocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A two-fold increase in leptin release was detectable by 36 h of treatment with 10(-7) M de xamethasone. Leptin release was preceded by a significant 83 +/- 30% i ncrease in ob mRNA after 24 h exposure to the compound. Go-incubation of cells with dexamethasone (10(-7) M) and insulin (10(-7) or 10(-9) M ) completely blocked the dexamethasone-stimulated increase in ob mRNA and leptin release. These data demonstrate that insulin and glucocorti coids regulate leptin synthesis and release from human adipocytes in v itro. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.