Abstract
Leptin is a 17-kDa protein, secreted by fat, that controls adiposity and has been proposed to have numerous effects on reproduction in the mouse. To assess whether the effects of leptin on testicular function are direct, we determined whether leptin can cross the murine blood-testis barrier. Multiple time regression analysis showed that a small amount of blood-borne leptin is able to enter the testis but does so by a nonsaturable process. In addition, no significant expression of leptin receptors was found at the Leydig cells or Sertoli cells of the testis. This compares with the presence of a saturable transport system for leptin at the blood-brain barrier and abundant receptors for leptin at the leptomeninges, neurons, and choroid plexus of the central nervous system (CNS). These results support the hypothesis that the effects of leptin on reproductive function are not mediated at the level of the testis but indirectly, probably through the CNS.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
