Completed

All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
ID00001543

Dynamics of Leptin and Endocrine Function

Led by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) · Updated on 2008-03-04

230

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This is a study investigating the hormones and substances important to the stress response. The hormone that is most directly responsible for stress response is called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH is produced in the hypothalamus of the brain and causes the pituitary gland to produce another hormone called ACTH. The hormone ACTH then acts on the adrenal glands causing them to produce the hormone cortisol. Unfortunately, CRH levels are unable to be measured in simple blood samples. However, substances like cortisol and leptin can provide information as to the activity of the hypothalamus. The hormone leptin is associated with the regulation of body weight and the normal maintenance of bodily functions (homeostasis). It is found in fat cell (adipocyes) and communicates the nutritional status of the body to the brain (central nervous system). Research using animals has shown that defects in the communication between leptin and the brain causes obesity (the state of being overweight). It has also been noted that obese humans tend to have high levels of leptin. By studying patients with abnormal genes responsible for leptin production, researchers have found that a least one leptin gene must be intact for the normal secretion of hormones to proceed. These results show that the hormone leptin is produced outside of the brain in fat cells and acts directly on the function of the hypothalamus within the brain. Researchers believe that leptin plays a key role in the normal release of hormones from the HPA axis. Researchers intend on continuing to study the role of leptin in fat distribution, and the activity of the HPA axis in normal volunteers. In addition, this study will focus on the role of leptin in depression, because depression is characterized by changes in food intake, body weight, and neuroendocrine function. Data gathered from this study will provide a better understanding of the causes and medical consequences of major depression.

CONDITIONS

Official Title

Dynamics of Leptin and Endocrine Function

Who Can Participate

All Genders
Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

Depressed patients must have a history of past major depression of at least four months duration, or a history of two or more briefer episodes. Must be overweight.

Must not need a hospital admission as part of their treatment.

Overweight normal volunteers.

No subjects on chronic medication which cannot be washed out for one month.

No subjects with any serious medical illness.

No women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or sexually active and not using effective contraception.

No patients with HIV infection.

No subjects who cannot discontinue use of alcohol/tobacco.

Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

History of severe allergic reactions to study medication Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Recent participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect safety

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892

Status Unknown

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How is the study designed?

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Masking

N/A

Allocation

N/A

Model

N/A

Primary Purpose

N/A

Number of Arms

0

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Published Research Related To This Trial