Current concepts concerning the role of leptin in reproductive function

Leptin has recently been implicated as having a role in sexual maturation and reproduction. This review describes recent findings regarding the putative reproductive functions of leptin within the context of the attainment of sufficient long-term fuel reserves to sustain and support pregnancy and la...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular and cellular endocrinology 1999-11, Vol.157 (1), p.11-20
Main Authors: Holness, M.J, Munns, M.J, Sugden, M.C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Embryonic and Fetal Development
Female
Humans
Lactation
Lactation - metabolism
Leptin
Leptin - deficiency
Leptin - physiology
Neonatal growth
Placenta - chemistry
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications - metabolism
Reproduction
Reproduction - physiology
Sexual maturation
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Summary:Leptin has recently been implicated as having a role in sexual maturation and reproduction. This review describes recent findings regarding the putative reproductive functions of leptin within the context of the attainment of sufficient long-term fuel reserves to sustain and support pregnancy and lactation. The review considers the evidence, within the context of the development of hyperleptinaemia during pregnancy, that leptin has an important function to modulate maternal nutrient partitioning in order to optimise the provision of nutrients for fetal growth and development. It is suggested that, through modulation of maternal insulin secretion and hepatic metabolism, leptin integrates maternal nutrient storage to the nutrient requirements of the fetus. The importance of the placenta as a site of leptin synthesis and the potential role(s) of placentally derived leptin are evaluated in relation to maternal–fetal interactions during intrauterine development. The review also examines whether intrauterine growth retardation due to nutritional restriction reflects dysregulation of such cross-talk. Finally, the review describes emerging evidence for participation of leptin in lactation and neonatal growth.
ISSN:0303-7207
1872-8057
DOI:10.1016/S0303-7207(99)00126-4