Weight loss induced by rimonabant is associated with an altered leptin expression and hypothalamic leptin signaling in diet-induced obese mice.

This study investigates the molecular mechanisms and the center-periphery cross talk underlying the anti-obesity effect of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB(1)) antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice exposed to a 31 days chronic treatment with the drug. Present data showed a significant and stable weight loss both in animals treated with rimonabant 10mg/kg by oral gavage exposed to a high fat diet (SRFD) and in vehicle treated mice switched to a regular chow (VEND) with respect to vehicle fat diet fed mice (VEFD). Caloric intake was significantly lowered in SRFD and VEND during the first two and four days, respectively, then reaching the VEFD consume throughout the treatment.