Estrogen increases hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression in ovariectomized obese rat

We determined the changes in neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) in sham-operated (SHAM) and bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) rats with estradiol (E(2)) supplement. Ovariectomy increases body weight gain for 3 weeks, accompanied by an increase of daily food intake. Ovariectomy significantly reduced serum corticosterone levels. E(2) supplement reversed the effects of ovariectomy on body weight gain, food intake and serum corticosterone levels. Ovariectomy significantly increased NPY mRNA expression in the ARC. E(2) supplement decreased NPY mRNA expression in the ARC of OVX rats. The present findings indicated that hypothalamic NPY mRNA expression, which involves the regulation of feeding behavior, are in parallel with circulating estrogen levels. Hypothalamic NPY mRNA expression may be important in the induction of hyperphagia after the withdrawal of estrogen by bilateral ovariectomy.