Role of leptin in fat regulation

摘要

Leptin administration reduces body weight and adipose tissue mass. However, the weight loss observed cannot be completely attributed to decreased food intake. In rodents, brown adipose tissue is the primary thermogenic organ, and it has become increasingly clear that brown adipose tissue is significant in regulating body composition. Brown adipose tissue can be activated by acclimation to cold temperatures and by excess food intake. These effects appear to be mediated through noradrenergic stimulation. Indeed, early studies demonstrated defective thermogenesis in genetically obese (ob/ob) and diabetic (db/db) mice.