Evaluation of leptin receptor expression on buffalo leukocytes

• A multi approach assessment is proposed: flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, RT-PCR analysis.
• Set up of 2 multiplex of antibodies to evaluate LEPR expression immune cell populations.
• Monocytes are the predominant cells expressing LEPR.
• Among lymphocytes LEPR was mainly expressed by B lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells.
• Confocal microscopy and RT-PCR analysis corroborated evidences of LEPR expression on monocytes.

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