Rodent Models Of Type Research Articles

Leptin induces fasting hypoglycaemia in a mouse model of diabetes through the depletion of glycerol.

Leptin has profound glucose-lowering effects in rodent models of type 1 diabetes, and is currently being tested clinically to treat this disease. In addition to reversing hyperglycaemia, leptin therapy corrects multiple lipid, energy and neuroendocrine imbalances in rodent models of type 1 diabetes, yet the precise mechanism has not been fully defined. Thus, we performed metabolic analyses to delineate the downstream metabolic pathway mediating leptin-induced glucose lowering in diabetic mice. Mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce insulin-deficient diabetes, and were subsequently treated with 20μg/day recombinant murine leptin or vehicle for 5 to 14days. Energy-yielding substrates were measured in the liver and plasma, and endogenous glucose production was assessed by tolerance to extended fasting. STZ-leptin-treated mice developed severe hypoketotic hypoglycaemia during prolonged fasting, indicative of suppressed endogenous ketone and glucose production. STZ-leptin mice displayed normal gluconeogenic and glycogenolytic capacity, but had depleted circulating glycerol and NEFA. The depletion of glycerol and NEFA correlated tightly with the kinetics of glucose lowering in response to chronic leptin administration, and was not mimicked by single leptin injection. Administration of glycerol acutely reversed fasting-induced hypoglycaemia in leptin-treated mice. The findings of this study suggest that the diminution of circulating glycerol reduces endogenous glucose production, contributing to severe fasting-induced hypoglycaemia in leptin-treated rodent models of type 1 diabetes, and support that depletion of glycerol contributes to the glucose-lowering action of leptin.

Biomarkers of progression in diabetic nephropathy: The past, present and future.

More than 380 million people are currently suffering from diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation estimated that this would rise to 592 million within a generation. Despite this relentless increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes worldwide, with the advent of potent statins, there has been a gradual decline in mortality from macrovascular complications, such as stroke and coronary heart disease. However, this is not the situation in diabetic nephropathy, which remains a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, with its incidence being still on a rising trend. Notably, once nephropathy develops, approximately 20–40% of patients inevitably progress to ESRD. Therefore, we need biomarkers that would enable early risk stratification in diabetic nephropathy (Figure​(Figure1),1), so that those at higher risk of progression to ESRD are identified at early stages of nephropathy development. Long-term follow up of interventional studies, such as STENO-2, have clearly shown that, even at the stage of microalbuminuria, intensive multifactorial management targeting blood pressure (particularly with blockade of the renin–angiotensin system), glucose, cholesterol and lifestyle issues could reduce the progression to ESRD as well as the associated cardiovascular mortality. The availability of sensitive and well-validated biomarkers for nephropathy progression would allow targeted intensive management to be provided to those who would derive the most cost-effective benefits from such intervention.

An age-dependent alteration of the respiratory exchange ratio in the db/db mouse.

The leptin receptor-deficient db/db mouse is a rodent model of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Diabetes in db/db mice shows an age-dependent progression, with early insulin resistance followed by an insulin secretory defect resulting in profound hyperglycemia. However, there is insufficient data on agedependent changes of energy metabolism in db/db mice. We demonstrated an age-dependent decrease in the respiratory exchange ratio (RER), calculated by a ratio of VO2/VCO2, in db/db mice. The RER determined by indirect calorimetry, was 1.03 in db/db mice under 6 weeks of age, which were similar to those in heterozygote (db/+) and wild-type (+/+) mice. However, RER decreased from approximately 0.9 to 0.8 by 10 weeks of age and subsequently returned to approximately 0.9 at 22 weeks of age. The changes in RER were concurrent with the alterations in body weight and blood glucose level. However, other metabolic indicators such as glucose tolerance, changes in body fat mass, and urinary glucose levels, did not change with age. The results suggested that the energy source utilized in db/db mice changed with the age-related progression of diabetes.

Targeting 12-lipoxygenase as a novel strategy to combat the effects of inflammation on beta cells in diabetes.

Inflammation is a pathological feature of the pancreatic islet in type 1 and 2 diabetes, contributing to islet endocrine cell failure and the onset of hyperglycaemia in both diseases. Indeed, numerous immune targets have recently been found to be altered in type 2 diabetes, but few have yet to be translated to the clinic. Taylor-Fishwick and colleagues aimed to change this by performing proof-of-concept studies investigating the efficacy of small molecule inhibitors of 12-lipoxygenase in rodent and human beta cells exposed to proinflammatory cytokines. The results of these studies, published in this issue of Diabetologia (DOI: 10.1007/s00125-014-3452-0), build on a wealth of preclinical data that have implicated 12-lipoxygenase in rodent models of type 1 and 2 diabetes. While there remain some unanswered mechanistic questions regarding how cytokines regulate 12-lipoxygenase activation and the downstream consequences of activation, it is hoped that future studies with newly identified selective inhibitors may overcome the in vitro limitations of this study and allow for the eventual clinical translation of these highly interesting findings.

Leptin recruits Creb-regulated transcriptional coactivator 1 to improve hyperglycemia in insulin-deficient diabetes.

ObjectiveLeptin alleviates hyperglycemia in rodent models of Type 1 diabetes by activating leptin receptors within the central nervous system. Here we delineate whether non-canonical leptin signaling through the Creb-regulated transcriptional coactivator 1 (Crtc1) contributes to leptin-dependent improvements in diabetic glucose metabolism.MethodsWe employed mice with a targeted genetic disruption of Crtc1, tracer dilution techniques and neuroanatomical studies to interrogate whether Crtc1 enables leptin to improve glucose metabolism in streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetes.ResultsHere we show that leptin improves diabetic glucose metabolism through Crtc1-dependent and independent mechanisms. We find that leptin reduces diabetic hyperglycemia, hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression and selectively increases glucose disposal to brown adipose tissue and heart, in STZ-diabetic Crtc1WT mice but not Crtc1+/− mice. By contrast, leptin decreases circulating glucagon levels in both STZ-diabetic Crtc1WT and Crtc1+/− mice. We also demonstrate that leptin promotes Crtc1 nuclear translocation in pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) and non-Pomc neurons within the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). Accordingly, leptin's ability to induce Pomc gene expression in the ARC is blunted in STZ-diabetic Crtc1+/− mice.ConclusionsOur study reveals that Crtc1 functions as a conduit for leptin's glucoregulatory actions in insulin-dependent diabetes. This study also highlights a new role for Crtc1 in modulating peripheral glucose metabolism.

Streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced rat model of type 2 diabetes (review).

Diabetes is one of the five leading causes of death in the world, with type 2 diabetes occurring more frequently than type 1. Management of diabetes without side effects is still a challenge and therefore new strategies need to be examined. Because of difficulties in human research, animal models of diabetes are useful research tools for this purpose and rodent models of type 2 diabetes are the first choice. The aim of this study is an overview on one of the most frequently used models of type 2 diabetes in rat, induced by streptozotocin and nicotinamide, considering its advantages and disadvantages for diabetes research in humans.

Glycoprotein 130 receptor signaling mediates α-cell dysfunction in a rodent model of type 2 diabetes.

Dysregulated glucagon secretion accompanies islet inflammation in type 2 diabetes. We recently discovered that interleukin (IL)-6 stimulates glucagon secretion from human and rodent islets. IL-6 family cytokines require the glycoprotein 130 (gp130) receptor to signal. In this study, we elucidated the effects of α-cell gp130 receptor signaling on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. IL-6 family cytokines were elevated in islets in rodent models of this disease. gp130 receptor activation increased STAT3 phosphorylation in primary α-cells and stimulated glucagon secretion. Pancreatic α-cell gp130 knockout (αgp130KO) mice showed no differences in glycemic control, α-cell function, or α-cell mass. However, when subjected to streptozotocin plus high-fat diet to induce islet inflammation and pathophysiology modeling type 2 diabetes, αgp130KO mice had reduced fasting glycemia, improved glucose tolerance, reduced fasting insulin, and improved α-cell function. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps revealed no differences in insulin sensitivity. We conclude that in a setting of islet inflammation and pathophysiology modeling type 2 diabetes, activation of α-cell gp130 receptor signaling has deleterious effects on α-cell function, promoting hyperglycemia. Antagonism of α-cell gp130 receptor signaling may be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on Corneal Epithelial Nerve Morphology and the Corneal Epithelium

Diabetic corneal neuropathy can result in chronic, sight-threatening corneal pathology. Although the exact etiology is unknown, it is believed that a reduction in corneal sensitivity and loss of neurotrophic support contributes to corneal disease. Information regarding the relationship between nerve loss and effects on the corneal epithelium is limited. We investigated changes in the corneal epithelium and nerve morphology using three-dimensional imaging invivo and in situ in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. Streptozotocin-treated mice showed increased levels of serum glucose and growth retardation consistent with a severe diabetic state. A reduction in the length of the subbasal nerve plexus was evident after 6 weeks of disease. Loss of the subbasal nerve plexus was associated with corneal epithelial thinning and a reduction in basal epithelial cell density. In contrast, loss of the terminal epithelial nerves was associated with animal age. Importantly, this is the first rodent model of type 1 diabetes that shows characteristics of corneal epithelial thinning and a reduction in basal epithelial cell density, both previously have been documented in humans with diabetic corneal neuropathy. These findings indicate that in type 1 diabetes, nerve fiber damage is evident in the subbasal nerve plexus before terminal epithelial nerve loss and that neurotrophic support from both the subbasal nerve plexus and terminal epithelial nerves is essential for the maintenance of corneal epithelial homeostasis.

Non-immune-based treatment for type 1 diabetes: the way to go?

Type 1 diabetes results from T cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells. Much of the fundamental understanding of its pathogenesis has come from findings in rodent models of type 1 diabetes, which have, at least in part, been confirmed in humans.1,2 This understanding, usually with pharmaceutical efficacy data from these preclinical models, has provided the primary rationale for most clinical trials of immune-based and non-immune-based treatments for type 1 diabetes.1–3

Imaging pancreas in healthy and diabetic rodent model using [18F]fallypride positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

A noninvasive method of monitoring the loss of islet cells can provide an earlier and improved diagnosis for therapeutics development of preclinical phases of diabetes. The use of [(18)F]fallypride, a dopamine D2/D3 receptor radiotracer, has been developed as a surrogate marker to evaluate loss of pancreatic islet cells in a rodent model of type 1 diabetes. Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were administered [(18)F]fallypride and imaged for 2 h in a positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan. Diabetes was then induced in the same rats by administration of streptozotocin, and a PET/CT scan was performed 4 days after establishing diabetes. Pancreata of a separate set of rats were evaluated by insulin immunostaining for loss of islet cells by streptozotocin. Blood glucose levels of 125 mg/dL and 550 mg/dL were established for those rats without and with diabetes, respectively. [(18)F]Fallypride uptake in the pancreas of both groups of rats was rapid, but the rats with diabetes showed a significantly lower uptake (less than 50%). The specific binding ratio was decreased by 77% in the diabetic rats. [(18)F]Fallypride can be a useful surrogate marker for monitoring changes in pancreatic islet cells, thus providing a noninvasive method to evaluate efficacy of therapeutics.

Targeted glyoxalase‐1 gene transfer to prevent cardiac dysfunction in diabetes (1078.8)

Targeted glyoxalase‐1 gene transfer to prevent cardiac dysfunction in diabetes Keshore R. Bidasee1,2, Fadhel Alomar1, George Rozanski1,2, and Jaipaul Singh3, 1Pharmacol and Exp’t Neurosci, Univ. of Nebraska Medical, Omaha, NE 68198, 2Nebraska Redox Biology Center, Lincoln, Nebraska and 3Forensic and Investigative Sciences, UCLAN, UK.Background: Heart failure is a common pathophysiology in individuals with diabetes. We attributed this defect to dysregulation of key excitation‐contraction (E‐C) coupling proteins arising from post‐translational modifications by the di‐carbonyl methylglyoxal (MG). MG increases mitochondrial ROS production which further compromises contractile function. Since MG regulates physiologic functions, globally lowering it will precipitate undesired side effects. In this project, we identified a sub‐pool of MG responsible for causing heart failure in diabetes.Methods and results: In isolated ventricular myocytes, MG induced Ca2+ waves and impaired contractile kinetics. Daily i.p. injections (21 days) of MGO to control rats to attain serum levels similar to that in diabetes did not impair cardiac ejection fraction or fractional shortening. Immuno‐histochemical analyses of hearts from diabetic animals revealed showed increased expression of the MG‐synthesizing enzyme vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP‐1) and the MG adduct, argpyrimidine in microvascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). Overexpression the MG‐degrading enzyme glyoxalase‐1 (Glo‐1) in SMC after the onset of diabetes (rodent models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes), blunted cardiac function loss, decreased expression of VAP‐1 and argpyrimidine in SMC, and normalized evoked Ca2+ transient and contraction kinetics in ventricular myocytes without lowering serum MG levels.Conclusion: These data identified for the first time SMC of the microvasculature as a source of myocyte‐damaging MG in diabetes, and pharmacologically lowering this sub‐pool of MG blunts heart failure development.Grant Funding Source: HL085061, GRTP#1053

An acute non‐lethal method to test leptin responsiveness in rats (371.3)

Continuous subcutaneous administration of leptin normalizes blood glucose levels in rodent models of type I and type II diabetes independent of changes in food intake, body weight and plasma insulin. We tested whether an acute intravenous leptin infusion changed blood glucose in normal and diet‐induced leptin resistant rats and determined if this could be used as a marker of leptin sensitivity. Leptin responsive, chow fed male Sprague Dawley rats and leptin resistant rats fed chow, lard and 30% sucrose or chow and 30% sucrose were fitted with jugular vein catheters. They were infused with either saline for 32 min, low dose (LD) leptin (1.9µg/kg/min) followed by high dose (HD) leptin (3.75µg/kg/min) for 16 min each, or only HD leptin for 16 min. Infusion of either LD leptin or HD leptin alone did not change blood glucose. Infusion of LD leptin followed by HD leptin decreased blood glucose in leptin responsive, but not leptin resistant rats. Leptin infusion increased serum leptin in all groups, but had no effect on serum insulin, glucagon, 18 hour weight gain or 18 hour energy intake in any rat. The leptin‐induced decrease in blood glucose correlated with leptin responsiveness measured as a leptin‐induced inhibition of food intake. This effect is consistent in control rats and absent in two rat models of leptin resistance. Thus, this acute non‐lethal test is a novel method of testing leptin responsiveness in rats.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH DK 53903

An acute method to test leptin responsiveness in rats

Continuous subcutaneous administration of leptin normalizes blood glucose levels in rodent models of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes independent of changes in food intake, body weight, and plasma insulin. We tested whether an acute intravenous leptin infusion changed blood glucose in normal and diet-induced leptin-resistant rats to determine whether this measure could be used as a marker of leptin sensitivity. Leptin-responsive chow-fed rats and diet-induced leptin-resistant male Sprague-Dawley rats were fitted with thoracic jugular vein catheters. Four days after surgery, conscious rats were infused intravenously with either saline for 32 min, low-dose (LD) leptin (1.9 μg·kg(-1)·min(-1)) followed by high-dose (HD) leptin (3.8 μg·kg(-1)·min(-1)) for 16 min each, or only HD leptin for 16 min. There was no change in blood glucose after an acute intravenous infusion of either LD leptin or HD leptin alone for 16 min. An intravenous infusion of LD followed by HD leptin for 16 min each significantly decreased serum glucose in leptin-responsive rats but not in leptin-resistant rats. Leptin infusions increased serum leptin in all rat groups but had no effect on plasma glucagon or 12-h weight gain and energy intake in any group of rats. These results show that leptin has an acute glucose-lowering effect that reflects the leptin responsiveness of the rat. This effect is consistent across controls and different leptin-resistant rat models, and the acute nonlethal test provides a novel method of testing leptin responsiveness in rats.

Dopamine Deficiency Contributes to Early Visual Dysfunction in a Rodent Model of Type 1 Diabetes

Dopamine (DA) functions as an essential neuromodulator in the brain and retina such that disruptions in the dopaminergic system are associated with common neurologic disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Although a reduction in DA content has been observed in diabetes, its effects in the development of diabetes-induced neuropathy remains unknown. Because the retina is rich in DA and has a well known diabetes-induced pathology (diabetic retinopathy or DR), this study was designed to examine the role of retinal DA deficiency in early visual defects in DR. Using rodent models of type 1 diabetes mellitus, we investigated whether diabetes caused a reduction in retinal DA content in both rats and mice and determined whether restoring DA levels or activating specific DA receptor pathways could improve visual function (evaluated with optokinetic tracking response) of diabetic mice, potentially via improvement of retinal function (assessed with electroretinography). We found that diabetes significantly reduced DA levels by 4 weeks in rats and by 5 weeks in mice, coincident with the initial detection of visual deficits. Treatment with l-DOPA, a DA precursor, improved overall retinal and visual functions in diabetic mice and acute treatment with DA D1 or D4 receptor agonists improved spatial frequency threshold or contrast sensitivity, respectively. Together, our results indicate that retinal DA deficiency is an underlying mechanism for early, diabetes-induced visual dysfunction and suggest that therapies targeting the retinal dopaminergic system may be beneficial in early-stage DR.

Insulin-Sensitizing Effect of LXR Agonist T0901317 in High-Fat Fed Rats is Associated with Restored Muscle GLUT4 Expression and Insulin-Stimulated AS160 Phosphorylation

Background/Aim: Liver X receptors (LXRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that were shown to stimulate hepatic lipogenesis leading to liver steatosis and hypertriglyceridemia. Despite their pro-lipogenic action, LXR activators normalize glycemia and improve insulin sensitivity in rodent models of type 2 diabetes. Antidiabetic action of LXR agonists is thought to result from suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether LXR activation affects muscle insulin sensitivity. In the present study we attempted to answer this question. Methods: The experiments were performed on male Wistar rats fed for 5 weeks on either standard chow or high fat diet. The latter group was further divided into two subgroups receiving either selective LXR agonist - T0901317 (10mg/kg/d) or vehicle during the last week of the experiment. All animals were then anaesthetized and samples of the soleus as well as red and white sections of the gastrocnemius muscle were excised. Results: As expected, administration of T0901317 to high-fat fed rats augmented diet-induced hyperlipidemia. Nevertheless, it also normalized glucose tolerance and improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in isolated soleus muscle. In addition, LXR agonist completely restored glucose transporter 4 expression and insulin-stimulated Akt substrate of 160 kDa phosphorylation in all investigated muscles. Insulin-sensitizing effect of T0901317 was not related to changes in intramuscular level of lipid mediators of insulin resistance, since neither diacylglycerols nor ceramide content was affected by the treatment. Conclusion: We conclude that improvement in muscle insulin sensitivity is one of the mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic action of LXR activators.

Intermittent Hypoxia Exacerbates Pancreatic β-Cell Dysfunction in A Mouse Model of Diabetes Mellitus

The effects of intermittent hypoxia (IH) on pancreatic function in the presence of diabetes and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that IH would exacerbate pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and alter the fatty acids in the male Tallyho/JngJ (TH) mouse, a rodent model of type 2 diabetes. TH mice were exposed for 14 d to either 8 h of IH or intermittent air (IA), followed by an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and tissue harvest. The effect of IH on insulin release was determined by using a β3-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist. During IH, pancreatic tissue pO2 decreased from 20.4 ± 0.9 to 5.7 ± 2.6 mm Hg, as determined by electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry. TH mice exposed to IH exhibited higher plasma glucose levels during the IPGTT (P < 0.001) while the insulin levels tended to be lower (P = 0.06). Pancreatic islets of the IH group showed an enhancement of the caspase-3 staining (P = 0.002). IH impaired the β-AR agonist-mediated insulin release (P < 0.001). IH increased the levels of the total free fatty acids and saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic acids), and decreased levels of the monounsaturated fatty acids in the pancreas and plasma. Ex vivo exposure of pancreatic islets to palmitic acid suppressed insulin secretion and decreased islet cell viability. Intermittent hypoxia increases pancreatic apoptosis and exacerbates dysfunction in a polygenic rodent model of diabetes. An increase in free fatty acids and a shift in composition towards long chain saturated fatty acid species appear to mediate these effects.

Effects of anti-hypertensive treatment on functional and structural components of large artery stiffness in a rodent model of type I diabetes

Effects of anti-hypertensive treatment on functional and structural components of large artery stiffness in a rodent model of type I diabetes

비만 및 제2형 당뇨병 쥐 모델에서 과당과 포도당의 섭취가 지방간과 NLRP3 염증조절결합체에 미치는 영향

이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때, 높은 수준의 포도당 섭취는 공복혈당과 공복혈당면적을 높이고 혈중 인슐린 농도와 아티포넥틴의 수준을 낮추어 혈당조절 능력을 억제시켰다. 반면, 높은 수준의 과당 섭취는 인슐린을 요구하지 않는 과당대사의 특이성으로 인해 혈당조절에는 효과적으로 보인다. 그러나 고과당 섭취는 간 조직 및 혈중 중성지방의 농도를 높이고 염증조절복합체 구성단백질의 발현을 조절하여 전염증인자의 발현을 증가시켰다. 이는 간조직에 있어 과당이 포도당보다 높은 수준의 염증반응을 유도하여 NAFLD의 발병과 진행에 보다 유의적인 영향을 준다는 것을 보여준다. 본 연구의 제한점은 일상에서 과당이나 포도당을 단독으로 섭취하는 경우가 드물다는 점과 3주라는 짧은 중재기간에 의한 실험 결과라는 것이다. 앞으로의 연구는 단순당을 장기간 섭취했을 때 혈청과 간 조직을 포함한 다른 대사 관련 조직에서 나타나는 변화에 초점을 맞출 필요가 있으며, 염증 조절복합체가 염증인자의 발현을 증가시키는 기전을 구체화하는 것이 요구된다.

Activation of GPR40 as a Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

The stimulation of insulin secretion by glucose can be modulated by multiple nutritive, hormonal, and pharmacological inputs. Fatty acids potentiate insulin secretion through the generation of intracellular signaling molecules and through the activation of cell surface receptors. The G-protein–coupled receptor 40 (GPR40), also known as free fatty acid receptor 1 (we will use GPR40 in this review), has emerged as an important component in the fatty acid augmentation of insulin secretion. By signaling predominantly through Gαq/11, GPR40 increases intracellular calcium and activates phospholipases to generate diacylglycerols resulting in increased insulin secretion. Synthetic small-molecule agonists of GPR40 enhance insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo with a mechanism similar to that found with fatty acids. GPR40 agonists have shown efficacy in increasing insulin secretion and lowering blood glucose in rodent models of type 2 diabetes. Recent phase I and phase II clinical trials in humans have shown that the GPR40 agonist TAK-875 reduces fasting and postprandial blood glucose and lowers HbA1c with efficacy equal to that of the sulfonylurea glimepiride without inducing hypoglycemia or evidence of tachyphylaxis. These data suggest that targeting the GPR40 receptor can be a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Leptin Action in the Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus Is Sufficient, But Not Necessary, to Normalize Diabetic Hyperglycemia

In rodent models of type 1 diabetes, leptin administration into brain ventricles normalizes blood glucose at doses that have no effect when given peripherally. The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) is a potential target for leptin's antidiabetic effects because leptin-sensitive neurons in this brain area are implicated in glucose homeostasis. To test this hypothesis, we injected leptin directly into the bilateral VMN of rats with streptozotocin-induced uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. This intervention completely normalized both hyperglycemia and the elevated rates of hepatic glucose production and plasma glucagon levels but had no effect on tissue glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle or brown adipose tissue as measured using tracer dilution techniques during a basal clamp. To determine whether VMN leptin signaling is required for leptin-mediated normalization of diabetic hyperglycemia, we studied mice in which the leptin receptor gene was deleted in VMN steroidogenic factor 1 neurons using cre-loxP technology. Our findings indicate leptin action within these neurons is not required for the correction of diabetic hyperglycemia by central leptin infusion. We conclude that leptin signaling in the VMN is sufficient to mediate leptin's antidiabetic action but may not be necessary for this effect. Leptin action within a distributed neuronal network may mediate its effects on glucose homeostasis.