Abstract

ECHEVERRY, Diana  and  RUIZ-CORTES, Zulma Tatiana. LEPTIN RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN MAMMARY GLAND OF LACTATING AND NO LACTATING COWS. rev.udcaactual.divulg.cient. [online]. 2015, vol.18, n.1, pp.171-179. ISSN 0123-4226.

Leptin hormone levels and expression of its receptors in mammary gland may be important regulators of secretory tissue during puberty. Receptor expression has been related with mammogenesis and with fatty acids synthesis. There are studies about the hormone and its receptors during puberty and postpartum. Also, the transcripts of leptin and receptors have been described in dry pregnant cows' mammary gland as well as during lactating period. The objective of this study was to determine the expression level of leptin receptors (transcripts and proteins), isoforms Ob-ra and Ob-rb, in Holstein cows during lactation vs. dry periods. The presence of leptin receptors in mammary gland was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot technics. However, the Ob-ra was identified only in no lactating cows while isoform Ob-rb was found in both lactating and dry periods without statistical difference when levels of expression were compared. RT-PCR results indicated mRNA expression of both isoforms receptors with no significant difference when two periods were compared. Data suggest a differential profile of expression of leptin receptors in Holstein cows of this study compared to reports in no specialized milk producer ruminants.

Keywords : Lactation; mammary gland; leptin gene.

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