Orexin is known as an important neuropeptide in the regulation of energy metabolism. However, the role of orexin in exercise-induced leptin sensitivity in the hypothalamus has been unclear. In this study, we determined the effect of transient treadmill exercise on leptin sensitivity in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) of mice and examined the role of orexin in post-exercise leptin sensitivity. Treadmill running for 45 min increased the orexin neuron activity in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of a submaximal dose of leptin after exercise stimulated the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in MBH of mice post-exercise compared with that in non-exercised mice, although intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of leptin did not enhance STAT3 phosphorylation, even after exercise. Icv injection of an orexin receptor antagonist, SB334867 reduced STAT3 phosphorylation, which was enhanced by icv injection of orexin but not by direct injection of orexin into MBH. Exercise increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in the MBH of mice, while ERK phosphorylation was reduced by SB334867. Leptin injection after exercise increased the leptin level in MBH, whereas icv injection of SB334867 suppressed the increase in the leptin level in MBH of mice. These results indicate that the activation of orexin neurons by exercise may contribute to the enhancement of leptin sensitivity in MBH. This effect may be mediated by increased transportation of circulating leptin into MBH, with the involvement of ERK phosphorylation.
