The interaction of serum leptin with brain serotonin in an animal model of diet-restriction-induced anorexia nervosa

Darakhshan M. Saleem; Shafia Tabassum; Nadia Ubaid; Shafaque M. Khan; Saida Haider; Darakhshan J. Haleem

Authors

Darakhshan M. Saleem Biomedical Engineering Department, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
Shafia Tabassum Biomedical Engineering Department, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
Nadia Ubaid Biomedical Engineering Department, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
Shafaque M. Khan Department of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
Saida Haider Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
Darakhshan J. Haleem Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

Keywords:

leptin, tryptophan, corticosterone, 5-HT, Diet Restriction, anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Leptin is a peptide hormone regulating body weight, appetite control and energy homeostasis. Plasma leptin levels rapidly decrease after body weight loss in human and in rodent. Studies suggested close interactions between leptin and the serotonergic system. The serotonergic system is involved in the regulation of appetite and mood and is a major biological system of interest in research on Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The present study is designed to investigate the interaction of serum leptin with brain serotonin in an animal model of Diet Restriction (DR) induced AN. Serum leptin and corticosterone were measured by ELISA. Tryptophan, 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations were determined by HPLC-EC in the hypothalamus. Animals of DR group given access to food 2 h daily for 5 weeks exhibited 20.4% decreased in body weight compared to Freely Fed (FF) group. Animal exposed in open field, activity box and light dark transition test exhibited hyperactivity and anxiety/depression like behaviors. The levels of serum leptin and TRP were significantly decreased in diet restricted group. The 5-HT metabolism was significantly decreased in the hypothalamus in DR group. The interaction of serum leptin with brain serotonin in DR-induced AN is discussed.