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Horm Metab Res 2003; 35(6): 367-371
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41359
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Leptin Injection During Lactation Alters Thyroid Function in Adult Rats

C.  V.  Teixeira1 , C.  D.  F.  Ramos 2 , T.  Mouco 3 , M.  C.  F.  Passos 4 , E.  G.  De Moura 1
  • 1 Department of Physiological Sciences, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, 20550-030, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
  • 2 Department of Anatomy, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, 20550-030, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
  • 3 Miguelote Viana Laboratory, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro
  • 4 Department of Applied Nutrition, Nutrition Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, 20550-030, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

Received 14 October 2002

Accepted after Revision 23 January 2003

Publication Date:
15 August 2003 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyperleptinemia during the first ten days of life on thyroid function in adulthood. After birth, pups were separated into two groups: L8 - receiving daily injections of recombinant mouse leptin (8 µg/100 g body weight, sc) and control (C) - receiving the same volume of saline. Both groups were treated for the first 10 days of lactation. The animals were sacrificed at 150 days of age, and the blood was collected for leptin, TSH, total triiodothyronine (TT3) and total thyroxin (TT4) serum concentration determinations by radioimmunoassay. The thyroid gland was excised to determine thyroid iodine uptake. Leptin, TT3 and TT4 serum concentrations in L8 group were significantly (108 %, 47 % and 32 %; p < 0.05) higher than that of controls. There was no significant difference between the groups related to thyroid iodine uptake and TSH serum concentration. These data suggest that the first half of lactation period is important in determining thyroid function in adulthood, and that it can be programmed by serum leptin concentration.

Key words

Lactation - Leptin - Thyroid Uptake - Thyroid Hormone

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Dr. Egberto Gaspar de Moura

Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas · 50 andar · Instituto de Biologia · Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Av. 28 de setembro, 87 · Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-030 · Brazil ·

Phone: + 55 (21) 25876134

Fax: + 55 (21) 25876129

Email: egmoura@uerj.br