Leptin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and metabolism, primarily
by acting on neurons in the hypothalamus that control food intake. However, leptin receptors
are more widely expressed in the brain suggesting additional, as yet unknown, functions of
leptin. Here we show that both embryonic and adult hippocampal neurons express leptin
receptors coupled to activation of STAT3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling
pathways. Leptin protects hippocampal neurons against cell death induced by neurotrophic …