ABSTRACT
Actually, leptin can be considered as a multifunctional horm one that regulates no t only body weight homeostasis but also neuroendocrine function, reproduction,9 immune function and nu trients absorption. This pleio tropic action o f leptin is consistent with the various reported sites o f leptin production. Initially thought to be adipocyte-specific, the ob gene has been found in a variety o f other tissues.9 Relevant to this chapter, the leptin gene has been identified in the stomach and its receptors were found distributed throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Recent data suggest that gut leptin may act locally to influence gastrointestinal functions. This chapter will focus on the stomach-derived leptin and its implication in the regulation o f some gut functions.
