Leptin receptor is expressed in thymus medulla and leptin protects against thymic remodeling during endotoxemia-induced thymus involution.

ABSTRACT: Leptin deficiency in mice results in chronic thymic atrophy, suppressed cell-mediated immunity, and decreased numbers of total lymphocytes, suggesting a key role for the metabolic hormone leptin in regulating thymopoiesis and overall immune homeostasis. Unfortunately, the thymus is highly susceptible to stress-induced acute involution. Prolonged thymus atrophy in stress situations can contribute to peripheral T cell deficiency or inhibit immune reconstitution. Little is known, however, about specific roles for leptin signaling in the thymus or the underlying mechanisms driving thymic involution or thymic recovery after acute stress. We report here that leptin receptor expression is restricted in thymus to medullary epithelial cells. Using a model of endotoxemia-induced acute thymic involut

SUBMITTER: Gruver AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3747557 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature