Leptin receptor signaling in POMC neurons is required for normal body weight homeostasis

Nina Balthasar, Roberto Coppari, Julie McMinn, Shun M. Liu, Charlotte E. Lee, Vinsee Tang, Christopher D. Kenny, Robert A. McGovern, Streamson C. Chua, Joel K. Elmquist, Bradford B. Lowell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

758 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neuroanatomical and electrophysiological studies have shown that hypothalamic POMC neurons are targets of the adipostatic hormone leptin. However, the physiological relevance of leptin signaling in these neurons has not yet been directly tested. Here, using the Cre/loxP system, we critically test the functional importance of leptin action on POMC neurons by deleting leptin receptors specifically from these cells in mice. Mice lacking leptin signaling in POMC neurons are mildly obese, hyperleptinemic, and have altered expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides. In summary, leptin receptors on POMC neurons are required but not solely responsible for leptin's regulation of body weight homeostasis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)983-991
Number of pages9
JournalNeuron
Volume42
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 24 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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