Evidence exists demonstrating the importance of leptin in the control
of energy homeostasis, feeding behavior and reproductive function. Lep
tin receptors are localized in several regions of the brain implicated
in regulation of energy balance and reproductive function, including
the arcuate nucleus/median eminence, paraventricular nucleus, and vent
romedial nucleus. Administration of exogenous leptin has been shown to
alter function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stimula
te gonadotropin release through hypothalamic and pituitary actions. Re
sults from in situ hybridization studies demonstrate the ability of le
ptin to modulate the expression of key neuropeptides (neuropeptide Y,
corticotropin releasing hormone) implicated in the regulation of energ
y homeostasis. This suggests that leptin is an important component in
the neuroendocrine transmission line that regulates appetite, energy b
alance and reproduction.