Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), originally known for its involvement in the modulation of neuronal growth, has been discovered to exert anorexigenic effects and is currently being investigated in clinical studies for the treatment of obesity and insulin resistance. This neuropeptide acts on the central nervous system. However, we have recently demonstrated direct peripheral effects on adipocyte signalling and thermogenesis. Given the emerging endocrine role of adipose tissue in the regulation of energy homeostasis and insulin resistance, we investigated potential effects of CNTF on leptin expression and secretion. Our study demonstrates a direct inhibition of leptin expression and secretion by acute and chronic CNTF treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrate a differentiation- and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-independent, but phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent signalling pathway mediating this negative effect. These results provide novel evidence for a role of CNTF in the selective modulation of adipocyte endocrine function which may have important implications for the regulation of energy homeostasis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology |
| Volume | 224 |
| Issue number | 1-2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 21-27 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| ISSN | 0303-7207 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 30.09.2004 |
Funding
This study was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Kl-1131/2-1 and Kl-1131/2-2) and the Deutsche Diabetes Gesellschaft to J.K., faculty grants from the University of Lübeck to V.O. and J.K., and a research grant from the USDA NRI to T.W. Gettys.
