Postnatal regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptide expression by leptin: implications for energy balance and body weight regulation

RS Ahima, SM Hileman - Regulatory peptides, 2000 - Elsevier
Leptin is produced mainly by adipose tissue and has been shown to regulate feeding,
energy balance and neuroendocrine function. Regulation of energy homeostasis by leptin is
thought to be mediated by hypothalamic neuropeptides, at least in adult rodents. The
neonatal period is a critical stage of development during which mammals have to optimize
caloric intake to support growth and development, as well as maintain body temperature. It is
likely that leptin is involved in the transition from preweaning to adult metabolism. To test this …