Recombinant mouse OB protein: evidence for a peripheral signal linking adiposity and central neural networks

Science. 1995 Jul 28;269(5223):546-9. doi: 10.1126/science.7624778.

Abstract

The recent positional cloning of the mouse ob gene and its human homology has provided the basis to investigate the potential role of the ob gene product in body weight regulation. A biologically active form of recombinant mouse OB protein was overexpressed and purified to near homogeneity from a bacterial expression system. Peripheral and central administration of microgram doses of OB protein reduced food intake and body weight of ob/ob and diet-induced obese mice but not in db/db obese mice. The behavioral effects after brain administration suggest that OB protein can act directly on neuronal networks that control feeding and energy balance.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology
  • Diet
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Eating / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Injections, Intraperitoneal
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Injections, Intraventricular
  • Leptin
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred AKR
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Obese
  • Nerve Net / drug effects
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Obesity / genetics
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Proteins / physiology
  • Recombinant Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Weight Loss / drug effects*

Substances

  • Leptin
  • Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins