Endocrinology · 2001 · 53 citations · 0 references
Veterinary MedicineEndocrinologyPhysiologyAnimal NutritionNeuroendocrinologyRuminant NutritionFeed Intake RegulationPhotoperiodic EndocrinologySeasonal EndocrinologySheep NutritionSheep PhysiologyEndocrine Responses To NutritionEndocrine SeasonalityFeedingSatiety MechanismsSeasonal Effects On IntakeSeasonal NutritionSeasonal VariationSeasonal Variation In Intake
Whilst there have been many studies in various species examining the effects of leptin on food intake, there is a paucity of data comparing responsiveness in the two sexes. We have, therefore, addressed this issue in sheep. Because this species shows seasonal variation in voluntary food intake (VFI), we also considered the possibility that there might be seasonal variation in the responsivity to leptin. Centrally administered leptin was relatively ineffective as a satiety factor in either sex during AUTUMN: In Spring, leptin had a profound inhibitory effect on VFI in the females, but only a slight effect in males. These data indicate that responsiveness to leptin depends on sex and also on season in animals that are substantially affected by photoperiod.