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In order to assess the long-term impact of a complete depletion of glucocorticoids on plasma leptin levels, we bilaterally adrenalectomized 20 lean rats, and analysed glucocorticoids and leptin levels for 20 consecutive days. Results demonstrate that the adrenalectomy (ADX) significantly lowered the leptin levels, as compared to sham-operated controls. On the other hand, a significant increase in leptin levels was noticeable from day 1 to day 20 of the experiment in the sham-operated controls, even though corticosterone levels remained stable during that same period. Plasma leptin concentration was proportional to body fat content. These results would indicate a non-causal relationship between glucocorticoids and leptin levels in the context of a lipostat in the lean rat., (Copyright 2000 Academic Press.)

The six major research advances in metabolic and hormonal controls of food intake that have altered the direction or have broadened the scope of the field in the last 25 years are discussed. The advances selected are: (1) GI processes and meal termination-the CCK pathway; (2) Brain insulin hypothesis; (3) Glucose-dependent processes in periphery, plasma, and brain including the transient declines in blood glucose signaling meal initiation; (4) Fatty acid oxidation in the liver; (5) Behavioral and metabolic patterns; and (6) New pathways from molecular genetics and molecular biology-the OB protein pathway., (Copyright 1997 Academic Press Limited.)