LEP and four leptin receptor isoforms were obtained firstly in Japanese quail.
qLEP and the four qLEPR isoforms were expressed extensively in all tissues examined.
Fasting increases and refeeding decreases LEP and LEPR expressions of juvenile quail.
LEP may actually act to inhibit food intake during fasting, at least in juvenile quail.
qLEP and qLEPR may play important roles in regulating reproduction and energy status.