SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF LEPTIN ON LIPID-METABOLISM IN THE RAT

In this study, we have examined the short-term effects of leptin on li pid metabolism in the rat. Acute leptin administration induced hypertr iglyceridaemia (31% increase in plasma triacylglycerols) which was not associated with changes in lipoprotein lipase activity in white adipo se tissue. Surprisingly, leptin administration did not induce any chan ges in the lipogenic rate in either white adipose tissue or liver. Lep tin administration caused a decreased tissue uptake of exogenous C-14- triacyclglycerols, These data suggest that leptin induces important ch anges in lipid uptake in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle which coul d be responsible for the observed hypertriglyceridaemia. (C) 1998 Fede ration of European Biochemical Societies.