ENHANCED EXPRESSION OF RAT OBESE (OB) GENE IN ADIPOSE TISSUES OF VENTROMEDIAL HYPOTHALAMUS (VMH)-LESIONED RATS

A responsible gene of genetically obese (ob/ob) mouse has recently been isolated. Genetic disruption of ob gene causes massive obesity. To elucidate the pathophysiological regulation of ob gene, we examined the gene expression in fat tissues of a non-genetical obese model, VMH-lesioned rats. The ob mRNA was identified in both subcutaneous and mesenteric fat tissues in the control rats. In VMH-lesioned rats, the abundance of ob mRNA increased after the gain of body weight and marked expression was observed on 15th day after making VMH lesion. These data suggest that ob gene might be upregulated with fat accumulation even in non-genetically obese animals. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.