Transition period-related changes in the abundance of the mRNAs of adiponectin and its receptors, of visfatin, and of fatty acid binding receptors in adipose tissue of high-yielding dairy cows.

Adipose tissue expresses adipokines, which are involved in regulation of energy expenditure, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. To adapt for the transition from pregnancy to lactation, particularly in high-yielding dairy cows, adipokines, their receptors, and particular G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs) are of potential importance. Signaling by GPR 41 stimulates leptin release via activation by short-chain fatty acids; GPR 43/109A inhibits lipolysis, and GPR 109A thereby mediates the lipid-lowering effects of nicotinic acid and beta-hydroxybutyrate. The aim of this study was to compare the mRNA expression of adiponectin and visfatin, adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1/2), leptin receptor (obRb), insulin receptor as of the aforementioned GPRs during the transition period in high-yielding dairy cows. Biopsies from subcutaneous fat and blood samples were obtained from 10 dairy cows 1 week before and 3 weeks after calving. For AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA abundance as well as for leptin concentrations in plasma, a reduction (P