Role of leptin in the regulation of body fluid volume and pressures.

Leptin is a circulating polypeptide hormone produced by an adipocyte-specific gene. It regulates energy balance by binding to receptors in the hypothalamus, leading to alterations in food intake, temperature, and energy expenditure. More recent pharmacologic information suggests that this circulating hormone may play an important role in the regulation of body fluid volume and pressures through direct and indirect actions. Although the relevance of the endogenous leptin on cardiovascular and renal function is yet to be clearly determined, it seems to be a potential salt-regulating factor and may function pathophysiologically as a common link to obesity and hypertension.