Expression of leptin receptor mRNA (long form splice variant) in the human cerebellum

Neuroreport. 1997 Sep 29;8(14):3123-6. doi: 10.1097/00001756-199709290-00023.

Abstract

Primers specific to the long isoform of leptin receptor (OB-Rb) mRNA were used in reverse transcriptase-linked polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) to investigate the expression of this receptor in the hypothalamus and cerebellum of human and rat. For both regions, we observed RT-PCR cDNAs as well as restriction enzyme cleavage fragments of expected sizes. Additionally, in situ hybridization of human cerebellum using two independent [35S]oligonucleotide probes complementary to the OB-Rb mRNA sequence revealed a prominent hybridization signal within the granular layer. Overall, our findings demonstrate the expression of OB-Rb mRNA in the cerebellum and suggest that in such a location, leptin receptors may mediate a function presumably not linked to body weight homeostasis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Cerebellum / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Obesity*
  • RNA Splicing*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Cell Surface*
  • Receptors, Cytokine / genetics*
  • Receptors, Leptin

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • LEPR protein, human
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Cytokine
  • Receptors, Leptin