Leptin Is Involved in Normal Luteal Development.

New Aspects of Corpus Luteum Regulation in Physiological and Pathological Conditions: Involvement of Adipokines and Neuropeptides

“…Induced leptin deficiency (after anti-leptin antibody treatment) during the growth and maturation of the caprine CL resulted in an increase in the number of large diameter vessels, the number of undeveloped CLs with abnormal morphology, and a higher ratio of LLCs to SLCs. Leptin replacement therapy following an induced leptin deficiency promoted normal tissue development, an increase in overall tissue mass, and the formation of a structure that resembled the mature CL [298]. The results of in vitro studies seem to confirm the role of leptin in the formation of CL.…”

“…Although most studies focus on the presence of leptin and its receptors in Tc and Gc, as well as on the role of the adipokine in the regulation of ovarian follicles and oocytes physiology, there is evidence for leptin system expression also in the CL of various species. The presence of leptin mRNA and protein has been described in the CL of humans [291], rats [292], pregnant and non-pregnant pigs [293][294][295], cattle [296], mares [297], goats [298], and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) [299] (Table 1). The leptin transcript has also been found in canine CL during pregnancy and the estrous cycle [300], and the adipokine protein has been immunolocalized in the murine LCs [301].…”