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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2009 Aug 6.
Published in final edited form as: Physiol Behav. 2008 Apr 13;94(5):637–642. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.04.005

Figure 2. Neuroanatomically discrete populations of LepRb neurons mediate distinct components of leptin action.

Figure 2

Clusters of LepRb-expressing neurons in the ARC and VMH contribute to the control of various functions, including satiety and glycemic control, and likely also affect thyroid and reproductive functions, perhaps via indirect connections with other areas. The hindbrain, including the NTS, encodes much of satiety, and NTS LepRb neurons may contribute to this effect of leptin. Leptin regulates thyroid function indirectly, at least in part via connections from ARC LepRb neurons to the PVN. Populations of LepRbexpressing neurons in the MPOA and the PMv could play a role in the modulation of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. Leptin also regulates the mesolimbic dopamine system via LepRb-expressing neurons in the VTA and perhaps the LHA; this likely modulates the incentive value of food. Only by defining the neuronal and physiologic functions of all LepRb neurons in the brain will we understand the sum of leptin action.