CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM EFFECTS OF LEPTIN

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.