Leptin regulation of neuronal morphology and hippocampal synaptic function

Jenni Harvey

doi:10.3389/fnsyn.2013.00003

Abstract

The central actions of the hormone leptin in regulating energy homeostasis via the hypothalamus are well documented. However, evidence is growing that this hormone can also modify the structure and function of synapses throughout the CNS. The hippocampus is a region of the forebrain that plays a crucial role in associative learning and memory and is an area also highly vulnerable to neurodegenerative processes. Recent studies indicate that leptin is a potential cognitive enhancer as it modulates the cellular processes underlying hippocampal-dependent learning and memory including dendritic morphology, glutamate receptor trafficking and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Here, we review the recent evidence implicating the hormone leptin as a key regulator of hippocampal synaptic function and discuss the role of leptin receptor-driven lipid signaling pathways involved in this process.

Highlights

LEPTIN RECEPTOR SIGNALING The endocrine hormone, leptin is a 167 amino acid protein that is mainly produced by adipocytes and circulates in the plasma at levels closely correlated with body fat content (Maffei et al, 1995)
It is well established that the endocrine hormone leptin regulates many central processes including energy homeostasis
Evidence is growing that the structure and function of hippocampal CA1 synapses is markedly influenced by leptin

Summary

Jenni Harvey*

Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK. The central actions of the hormone leptin in regulating energy homeostasis via the hypothalamus are well documented. Evidence is growing that this hormone can modify the structure and function of synapses throughout the CNS. The hippocampus is a region of the forebrain that plays a crucial role in associative learning and memory and is an area highly vulnerable to neurodegenerative processes. Recent studies indicate that leptin is a potential cognitive enhancer as it modulates the cellular processes underlying hippocampal-dependent learning and memory including dendritic morphology, glutamate receptor trafficking and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. We review the recent evidence implicating the hormone leptin as a key regulator of hippocampal synaptic function and discuss the role of leptin receptor-driven lipid signaling pathways involved in this process

INTRODUCTION

LEPTIN REGULATION OF HIPPOCAMPAL SYNAPTIC FUNCTION

CONCLUSION

Synaptogenesis via dendritic filopodia in developing hippocampal area