Binding and internalization of leptin by porcine choroid plexus cells in culture

Leptin is an adipocyte derived hormone with profound behavioural and metabo lic effects exerted by both central and peripheral sites of action. One of its targets in the central nervous system appears to be the epithelial cell s of the choroid plexus where leptin receptor (OB-R) expression is particul arly high. The most abundant receptor subtype at this site is OB-Ra which i s truncated at its intracellular part and has been suggested to serve funct ions such as leptin transport or clearance. The choroid plexus may thus be a site where receptor mediated exchange of leptin between cerebrospinal flu id and blood takes place. The study here shows that porcine plexus epitheli a preserve their ability of OB-R expression when grown in culture. In addit ion, our experiments suggest that leptin is rapidly internalized upon bindi ng to these cells supporting the view of an OB-R mediated transport of lept in across the choroid plexus. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.