Data from: Leptin regulation of hippocampal synaptic function in health and disease

The endocrine hormone leptin plays a key role in regulating food intake
and body weight via its actions in the hypothalamus. However, leptin
receptors are highly expressed in many extra-hypothalamic brain regions
and evidence is growing that leptin influences many central processes
including cognition. Indeed, recent studies indicate that leptin is a
potential cognitive enhancer as it markedly facilitates the cellular
events underlying hippocampal-dependent learning and memory, including
effects on glutamate receptor trafficking, neuronal morphology and
activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. However, the ability of leptin to
regulate hippocampal synaptic function markedly declines with age and
aberrant leptin function has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders
such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we review the evidence
supporting a cognitive enhancing role for the hormone leptin and discuss
the therapeutic potential of using leptin-based agents to treat AD.