Figure 8. Loss of neural stem cells and neurogenesis in mice lacking leptin.

(A–C) Hypothalamic neurogenesis is almost completely abolished in 16-week-old obese ob/ob mice lacking leptin compared with that in lean littermates (WT/WT or WT/ob [WT/?]). (D) However, there was no difference in the percentage of cells adopting a neuronal fate (HuC/D⁺) between the 2 groups. (E–G) The number of neurosphere-generating cells is reduced in the hypothalamus of ob/ob mice compared with that in lean littermates (2,000 cells plated per well). (H) The majority of primary neurosphere-forming cells present in ob/ob mice are not stem cells, as they fail to generate new neurospheres after passage. Mean ± SEM. Scale bar: 1 mm.