For Research Use Only

 

Summary:

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is a recently discovered single chain proteohormone with a molecular weight of 16 kD, which is thought to play a key role in the regulation of body weight. Its amino acid sequence exhibits no major homologies with other proteins. Leptin is almost exclusively produced by differentiated adipocytes. It acts on the central nervous system, in particular the hypothalamus, thereby suppressing food intake and stimulating energy expenditure. Leptin receptors - alternatively spliced forms exist that differ in length - belong to the cytokine class I receptor family. They are found ubiquitously in the body indicating a general role of leptin, which is currently not fully understood. A circulating form of the leptin receptor exists which acts as one of several leptin binding proteins.

This ELISA kit is suited for measuring human leptin in serum or plasma, other biological fluids (e.g. urine or cerebrospinal fluid), and conditioned adipocyte culture media for scientific and diagnostic purposes also in very low concentrations.