Leptin Expression in the Rat Ovary Depends on Estrous Cycle

Leptin is a hormone originally identified in adipocytes. It is involved in the regulation of fat deposition and energy expenditure and in other functions, such as reproduction. The presence of leptin has been reported in several reproductive organs. However, few studies have addressed its expression...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journal of histochemistry and cytochemistry 2003-10, Vol.51 (10), p.1269-1277
Main Authors: Archanco, Marta, Muruzabal, Francisco J, Llopiz, Diana, Garayoa, Mercedes, Gomez-Ambrosi, Javier, Fruhbeck, Gema, Burrell, Maria A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Blotting, Western
Corpus Luteum - cytology
Corpus Luteum - metabolism
Estrous Cycle - physiology
Female
Immunohistochemistry
In Situ Hybridization
Leptin - analysis
Leptin - biosynthesis
Leptin - chemistry
Oocytes - metabolism
Ovary - cytology
Ovary - metabolism
Ovary - ultrastructure
Rats
Rats, Wistar
RNA, Messenger - analysis
Theca Cells - cytology
Theca Cells - metabolism
Tissue Distribution
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Summary:Leptin is a hormone originally identified in adipocytes. It is involved in the regulation of fat deposition and energy expenditure and in other functions, such as reproduction. The presence of leptin has been reported in several reproductive organs. However, few studies have addressed its expression in the ovary. Moreover, the existing information is not consistent with regard to the particular cell types responsible for leptin expression. In this work we studied the distribution of leptin in the rat ovary by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). Leptin staining was found in steroid-producing cells: thecal, luteal, and interstitial cells. The strongest signal with both techniques was found in the cytoplasm of oocytes. A weak reaction for leptin mRNA was detected in granulosa of all growing follicles, although leptin protein was found only in the mature follicle. Western blotting analysis detects a strongly reactive 16-kD band, giving further support to the presence of leptin in the rat ovary. Variations in this immunoreactive band were found throughout the estrous cycle. Localization of leptin in the ovary may contribute to a better understanding of female reproductive function.
ISSN:0022-1554
1551-5044
DOI:10.1177/002215540305101003