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Estrogen deficiency causes central leptin insensitivity and increased hypothalamic neuropeptide Y

International Journal of Obesity volume 25, pages 1680–1688 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Altered fat distribution is a consequence of menopause, but the mechanisms responsible are unknown. Estrogen insufficiency in humans can be modeled using ovariectomized rats. We have shown that increased adiposity in these rats is due to reduced physical activity and transient hyperphagia, and can be reversed with 17β-estradiol treatment. The aims of this study were to examine whether this altered energy balance is associated with circulating leptin insufficiency, central leptin insensitivity, decreased hypothalamic leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) expression, and/or increased hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY).

METHODS: Plasma leptin levels, adipose tissue ob gene expression, energy balance responses to i.c.v. leptin, hypothalamic Ob-Rb expression and NPY concentration in five separate hypothalamic regions were measured in adult female rats after either ovariectomy or sham operations.

RESULTS: Obesity was not associated with hypoleptinemia or decreased ob gene expression in ovariectomized rats; however, it was associated with insensitivity to central leptin administration. Food intake was less suppressed and spontaneous physical activity was less stimulated by leptin. This was not due to decreased hypothalamic Ob-Rb expression. NPY concentration in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus was elevated in the ovariectomized rats, consistent with leptin insensitivity; however this effect was transient and disappeared as body fat and leptin levels increased further and hyperphagia normalized.

CONCLUSION: Impaired central leptin sensitivity and overproduction of NPY may contribute to excess fat accumulation caused by estrogen deficiency.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Sue Fabris and Melanie Ball from the University of Melbourne for technical assistance, and Greg Collier from Deakin University for access to the real-time PCR equipment. This study was supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Project Grant (970400) and a Novo Nordisk Regional Support Scheme Grant. Deborah Ainslie is supported by a Melbourne University Research Scholarship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    DA Ainslie, J Proietto & AW Thorburn

  2. Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    MJ Morris

  3. Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia

    G Wittert & H Turnbull

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Correspondence to AW Thorburn.

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Ainslie, D., Morris, M., Wittert, G. et al. Estrogen deficiency causes central leptin insensitivity and increased hypothalamic neuropeptide Y. Int J Obes 25, 1680–1688 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801806

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