Objective: To investigate the expression of leptin and its functional receptor mRNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis in sheep oocytes. Methods: Sheep ovaries were collected in reproductive season from abattoir and immediately were transported to the lab. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were aspirated from antral follicles and were denuded to obtain denuded oocytes. Total RNA of denuded oocytes was extracted, cDNA synthesis was carried out subsequently and cDNA was subjected to PCR amplification using specific designed primers. Results: Gel electrophoresis of PCR products showed the amplification of 162 and 121- bp amplicons for leptin and functional leptin receptor respectively. Sequencing the amplified fragments also confirmed the results. Conclusions: The result of present study reveals that leptin and its functional receptor (Ob-Rb) mRNA are expressed in sheep oocyte and further studies should investigate the role(s) of leptin on sheep oocyte physiology and embryo development.

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