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Cardiovascular and Renal Effects Of Leptin In Females: Does Menopause Make A Difference?
Author(s) -
Alarcon Fortepiani M Lourdes,
HinojosaLaborde Carmen
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.968.10
Subject(s) - leptin , medicine , endocrinology , ovariectomized rat , menopause , obesity , hormone , renal function
Menopause has been associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) and renal risk, elevated leptin levels and obesity; however the importance of leptin in postmenopausal hypertension and renal disease has not been characterized. This study tested the hypothesis that the CV and renal effects of leptin in aged female rats are enhanced after ovary removal. Old female rats implanted with telemetry devices were divided into ovariectomized (ovx) or sham operated. After 5‐day control period, rats were centrally infused with leptin (0.5ug/kg/hr) or vehicle for 5 days and BP and heart rate (HR) were continuously monitored. Urine samples were collected before and after the treatment to address renal function. Ovx increased food intake, adiposity index and decreased activity, however, BP and HR were similar in ovx and sham rats. Leptin decreased food intake in ovx (44%) and sham (28%). Despite weight loss, leptin induced similar increases on HR in both groups (approximately 10 bpm each) while elevating BP in ovx (4.7 ± 0.8 mmHg) but not in sham rats (‐0.8 ± 0.9 mmHg). Surprisingly, leptin decreased urinary protein excretion in ovx (48.6 ± 2 vs 75.6 ± 2 ug/24h) and sham (46.7 ± 5 vs 87.8 ± 5 ug/24h) vs vehicle. These results suggest that central leptin activation in aged rats contributes to the development of postmenopausal hypertension but may protect from age related renal dysfunction. This work was supported by NIH AG029250‐01 award.