Leptin and Melanocortin Signaling Mediates Hypertension in Offspring From Female Rabbits Fed a High-Fat Diet During Gestation and Lactation

In conclusion, the higher MAP in mHFD and mCD10d offspring was likely due to greater central leptin signaling at distinct sites within the hypothalamus while enhanced melanocortin contribution was common to both groups suggesting that residual body fat was mainly responsible. However, the effects of SHU9119 and αMSH on RSNA pathways only in mHFD suggest a maternal HFD may program sympatho-excitatory capacity in these offspring and that this may involve increased leptin receptor and BDNF expression.
Source: Frontiers in Physiology - Category: Physiology Source Type: research