Role of the β₃-Adrenoceptor in the Control of Leptin Expression

Abstract

The inhibitory effect of β-adrenoceptor agonists on leptin expression in brown and white adipose tissues is now well documented both in vivo and in vitro. It suggests the existence in vivo of a retroregulatory loop by which leptin inhibits its own expression via the sympathetic nervous system and the β₃-adrenoceptor. The hypothesis that the defect in β₃-adrenoceptor described in the adipose tissue of hereditary obese rodents can contribute to the resistance to leptin and to the increase in leptin expression observed in these animals is discussed.

Key words

β-Adrenoceptors - Leptin Expression - Adipoctes - Obesity