Evaluation of leptin receptor expression on buffalo leukocytes

Experimental evidences support a direct role for leptin in immunity. Besides controlling food intakeand energy expenditure, leptin was reported to be involved in the regulation of the immune system inruminants. The aim of this work was to highlight the expression of leptin receptor (LEPR) on Bubalusbubalis immune cells using a multi-approach assessment: flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and geneexpression analysis. Flow cytometric analysis of LEPR expression showed that peripheral blood mono-cytes were the predominant cells expressing LEPR. This result was corroborated by confocal microscopyand RT-PCR analysis. Moreover, among lymphocytes, LEPR was mainly expressed by B lymphocytes andNatural Killer cells. Evidence of LEPR expression on buffalo blood leukocytes showed to be a good indica-tor of the responsivity of these cells to leptin, so confirming the involvement of leptin in buffalo immuneresponse.