Leptin and its receptors: regulators of whole-body energy homeostasis.

Leptin is the adipocyte-specific product of the ob gene. Expression of leptin in fully fed animals reflects adipocyte size and body-fat mass. Leptin signals the status of body energy stores to the brain, where signals emanate to regulate food intake and whole-body energy expenditure. The leptin gene was identified in the leptin-deficient, obese ob/ob mouse by positional cloning techniques. Recently, leptin has been cloned in domestic species including pigs, cattle, and chickens. The leptin receptor has at least five splice variants; the long form of the receptor is primarily expressed in the hypothalamus and is thought to be the predominant signaling isoform. Leptin receptors are members of the cytokine family of receptors and signal via janus-activated kinases (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Mutations in the leptin or leptin receptor genes results in morbid obesity, infertility, and insulin resistance in rodents and humans. Leptin regulates food intake and energy expenditure via central and peripheral mechanisms. Leptin receptors are expressed in most tissues, and in vitro evidence suggests that leptin may have direct effects on some tissues such as adipose tissue, the adrenal cortex, and the pancreatic beta-cell. Leptin is thought to influence whole-body glucose homeostasis and insulin action. Studies are underway to determine the role that leptin plays in the biology of domestic animals.