[HTML][HTML] Leptin receptor signaling in POMC neurons is required for normal body weight homeostasis

N Balthasar, R Coppari, J McMinn, SM Liu, CE Lee… - Neuron, 2004 - cell.com
N Balthasar, R Coppari, J McMinn, SM Liu, CE Lee, V Tang, CD Kenny, RA McGovern
Neuron, 2004cell.com
Neuroanatomical and electrophysiological studies have shown that hypothalamic POMC
neurons are targets of the adipostatic hormone leptin. However, the physiological relevance
of leptin signaling in these neurons has not yet been directly tested. Here, using the Cre/loxP
system, we critically test the functional importance of leptin action on POMC neurons by
deleting leptin receptors specifically from these cells in mice. Mice lacking leptin signaling in
POMC neurons are mildly obese, hyperleptinemic, and have altered expression of …
Abstract
Neuroanatomical and electrophysiological studies have shown that hypothalamic POMC neurons are targets of the adipostatic hormone leptin. However, the physiological relevance of leptin signaling in these neurons has not yet been directly tested. Here, using the Cre/loxP system, we critically test the functional importance of leptin action on POMC neurons by deleting leptin receptors specifically from these cells in mice. Mice lacking leptin signaling in POMC neurons are mildly obese, hyperleptinemic, and have altered expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides. In summary, leptin receptors on POMC neurons are required but not solely responsible for leptin's regulation of body weight homeostasis.
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