3-adrenergic-mediated suppression of leptin gene expression in rats. Li, Hua, Michael Matheny, and Philip J. Scarpace. Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida 32608-1197 and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610
APStracts 4:0046E, 1997.
To investigate the role of 3-adrenergic receptors in the suppression of leptin gene expression, we fasted F-344 rats to decrease leptin mRNA levels, followed by refeeding to stimulate leptin mRNA production, and examined the ability of the 3-adrenergic agonist, CGP-12177, to prevent the rise in leptin mRNA levels. In the initial 2 h following CGP 12177 (0.75 mg/kg), there were significant reductions in both food consumption and in leptin mRNA levels in epididymal, perirenal, and interscapular WAT. We were unable to detect leptin mRNA in IBAT, whereas there was a significant increase in uncoupling protein mRNA levels in IBAT following CGP-12177. The suppression of leptin mRNA and food intake by CGP-12177 was confirmed in a second experiment using another rat strain, the F-344xBN. Furthermore, refeeding after a period of fasting increased leptin mRNA, which was prevented by CGP-12177. These data indicate a role for 3-adrenergic-mediated regulation of leptin gene expression in non-mutant rodents and are consistent with other reports suggesting that 3-adrenergic agonists suppress food intake.

Received 26 November 1996; accepted in final form 4 February
1997.
APS Manuscript Number E588-6.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Endocrinol. Metab.).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1997 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 20 February 1997