Suprachiasmatic nuclei may regulate the rhythm of leptin hormone release in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) generate the circadian rhythm of many hormones. The hormone leptin is a metabolic signal that informs the brain about fat and energy stores of the body. We investigated whether the rhythm of leptin hormone release in Syrian hamsters is directly controlled by the SCN. Three experiments were performed: in the first, hamsters were SCN-lesioned; in the second, hamsters were exposed to different feeding regimes; and in the third, hamsters were adrenalectomized and implanted with cortisol capsules to maintain constant glucocorticoid release. Blood samples were collected before and after the experiments at different clock times and examined for leptin levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Different feeding regimes and constant glucocorticoid release did not alter the rhythm of leptin release; whereas, SCN lesions abolished the rhythm. The results of the present study suggest the rhythm in leptin release in Syrian hamsters may be controlled by the SCN.