Objective To observe the content of leptin in the abdominal subcutaneous tissues of the higher temperature zone along the Gallbladder (GB) Meridian in cholecystitis rabbits so as to explore the correlation between the temperature response and the leptin level. Methods Twenty-five rabbits were randomized into normal control group (n=10) and cholecystitis model group(n=15). Cholecystitis model was established by injection of Escherichia coli solution (0.1 mL) into the gallbladder via common bile duct after surgery. Three

7 and 11 days following modeling

the abdominal surface thermographic images along the GB Meridian were collected by the AGA-782-type infrared imaging system (AGA's capacity). And then the subcutaneous tissues of the high temperature reaction region and the contralateral corresponding tissues of different groups were collected for assaying the leptin contents in the supernatant by radioimmunoassay after processing (homogenization and centrifugation) and for observing the morphological structure under light microscopy after sectioning and staining (toluidine blue). Results Thermographic images showed that about 70% of the animals in the model group

various lengths of high temperature reaction (0.5-1.4 ℃) zones or bands in the abdominal region along the bilateral GB Meridian were seen

in comparison with the control group. The leptin levels in the ipsilateral (affected side) and contralateral (healthy side) tissues of the abdominal high temperature reaction zones along the GB Meridian were significantly higher in the model group than in the control group ( P<0.01 )

suggesting a close correlation between the leptin content change and the high temperature reaction. In addition

most fat cells were crowded to distribute closely along the blood vessels in the subcutaneous tissues of the higher temperature reaction zone in the model group

but those of the control group distribute more loosely along the blood vessels. Conclusion The leptin content in the abdominal subcutaneous tissues of high temperature reaction zone along the GB Meridian is higher in cholecystitis rabbits

suggests a relevance of the endocrine function of fat cells to the high temperature reaction along the GB Meridian.