Chronic Administration of Leptin into the Lateral Ventricle Induces Sexual Maturation in Severely Food‐restricted Female Rats

摘要: In many species, delayed sexual maturation occurs when metabolic conditions are not satisfactory. Recently, leptin was shown to be involved in the regulation of food intake and body mass. Furthermore, administration advance mice rescue function adverse conditions. We examined plasma levels female rats during development evaluated role on subjected restriction. normal rats, were low at day 24 life, then steadily increased juvenile period, reaching 740+/-56 pg/ml 40 days time vaginal opening (VO) further increasing by 60 (957+/-73 pg/ml). Food restriction initiated 25 strongly impaired this increase, proportion severity With a daily reduced 7-8 g/day, that permanently prevented VO, very 53 (169+/-67 Following switch ad libitum feeding, reached high within 2 (1577+/-123 pg/ml), VO occurred 4 later. If severe maintained central infusion (10 microg/day) initiated, significant decrease weight compared with vehicle-infused controls observed. these conditions, eight out nine leptin-treated representing induction process confirmed increases ovarian uterine weights. This exclusively results from effect because no leak i.c.v. administered general circulation These data suggest rising prepubertal period represent signal brain indicating young animal is metabolically ready go through maturation.