Propranolol prevents osteoporosis and up-regulates leptin in ovariectomized rats

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease and there is a close relationship between the sympathetic nervous system [SNS] and bone metabolism. Leptin has been shown to regulate bone formation and bone resorption via the SNS. However, the effect of SNS on leptin signaling has not been clearly understood. In the present study, we studied the effect of propranolol on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis of rat. The results showed propranolol could increase the bone mass of ovariectomized rat. Propranolol could also up-regulate the level of peripheral leptin and the level of leptin receptor in ovariectomized rat hypothalamus. Our results indicate the effect of propranolol on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis may be exerted, at least partly, through the regulation of leptin signaling and there may be an interaction between the SNS and leptin on the regulation of bone metabolism