Leptin, the product of the ob (obese) gene, is produced mainly in the adipose tissue, and is considered to play an important role in appetite control, fat metabolism, and body weight regulation. The primary effect of leptin appears to be mediated by leptin receptors expressed mainly in the hypothalamus. In humans, leptin levels correlate with body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat, and are elevated even in obese individuals. Leptin has a dual action; it decreases the appetite and increases energy consumption. Leptin is secreted in circadian fashion with nocturnal rise in both lean and obese patients. Mutations of the ob gene resulting in leptin deficiency are the cause of obesity in the ob/ob mice suggesting that endogeneous leptin can normalize their body weight. In contrast, human obese subjects may have high level of leptin, indicating a mechanism of leptin resistance. This Enzyme Immunometric Assay (EIA) is based on a double-antibody sandwich technique. The wells of the plate supplied with the kit are coated with a polyclonal antibody specific of human leptin. This antibody will bind any Leptin introduced in the wells (sample or standard). [Bertin Catalog No. A05174]WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
