Leptin receptor expression in human umbilical cord leucocytes

We have assessed the expression of leptin receptor on human umbilical cord blood leucocytes using flow cytometry, by a specific antibody, in 12 normal newborns (seven females and five males). The expression was significantly (P<0.0001) higher in polymorphonuclear cells (70 +/- 6%) as compared to mon ocytes (23 +/- 4%) and lymphocytes (16 +/- 4%). There was no correlation be tween the weight or the sex of the newborn and the effect of leptin or the expression of its receptor. Future studies should ascertain the type of lep tin receptor, its function and the role of this cytokine in cord blood cell s. Med Sci Res 27:231-232 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.