Does leptin contribute to obesity hypertension?

John E. Hall, Eugene W.M. Shek, Michael W. Brands

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The discovery of leptin and its multiple biologic actions, including sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation, has provided a possible link between obesity and hypertension. Short-term leptin administration directly into the brain stimulates sympathetic activity, and long-term leptin infusion, at rates that mimic plasma concentrations found in obesity, increases arterial pressure via adrenergic activation in nonobese rodents. Short-term studies suggest that the sympathetic effects of leptin may depend on interactions with other neurochemical pathways in the hypothalamus, such as melanocortin receptors. However, it is still unclear whether there is resistance to the long-term SNS and blood pressure effects of leptin in obesity. Results from clinical trials using long-term leptin administration in humans in an attempt to reduce body weight should help to answer some of these questions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)225-229
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent Opinion in Endocrinology and Diabetes
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Does leptin contribute to obesity hypertension?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this