Central nervous system effects of leptin.

Evidence exists demonstrating the importance of leptin in the control of energy homeostasis, feeding behavior and reproductive function. Leptin receptors are localized in several regions of the brain implicated in regulation of energy balance and reproductive function, including the arcuate nucleus/median eminence, paraventricular nucleus, and ventromedial nucleus. Administration of exogenous leptin has been shown to alter function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stimulate gonadotropin release through hypothalamic and pituitary actions. Results from in situ hybridization studies demonstrate the ability of leptin to modulate the expression of key neuropeptides (neuropeptide Y, corticotropin-releasing hormone) implicated in the regulation of energy homeostasis. This suggests that leptin is an important component in the neuroendocrine transmission line that regulates appetite, energy balance and reproduction.