To explore the effect of
Tiangui Recipe (TGR) on obesity and anovulation in androgen-sterilized rats (ASR) from the gene
transcription level. Methods: In situs hybridization and autoradiography were adopted, using α-32 P-radiolabelled
leptin receptor (OB-R) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) oligonucleotides probes and integrating with image pattern analysis, to observe the effect of TGR on changes of OB-R, NPY mRNA expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). Results: Compared to the normal rats, the levels of hypothalamic OB-R mRNA expression decreased, NPY mRNA expression elevated significantly in ASR (P < 0.01 ).ASR characterized by obesity and anovulation. There was no significant difference in hypothalamic OB-R, NPY mRNA expressions between normal rats and ASR with TGR administration. Conclusion: The increased hypothalamic NPY and decreased OB-R mRNA expression may be important contributing factors to the development of obesity and anovulation in ASR. TGR may play a role in reducing weight and inducing ovulation by regulating NPY/OB-R mRNA expression.