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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2017
Leptin is a 16 kDa protein synthesized and secreted primarily by adipocytes. Leptin was discovered in 1994 as the gene product deficient in the obese ob/ob mouse. In addition to profound obesity, these animals are characterized by multiple, complex neuroendocrine disorders that manifest in severe insulin resistance and infertility. We now know that leptin is involved in the regulation of appetite, body weight, energy balance, reproduction and the neuroendocrine axis in animals and man. Additionally, leptin has been shown to regulate immune function and anorexia associated with disease.