This study was designed to investigate levels of ETAR gene expression in the granulosa layer of broiler hens with different levels of plasma leptin and lipids (cholesterol and triacyglycerol). To induce different plasma leptin and lipid levels, the hens were fed high (20 and 40% more than recommended) and low (20% less than recommended) feed rations for 30 days. Variations of plasma leptin and lipids followed those found in the levels of feed intake and body weight in individual groups while the relative amount of ETAR mRNA increased in all groups. The effect, however, was significant (P<0.05) only for T+20% group. It is concluded that ETAR gene expression in follicular granulosa cells could be influenced by leptin in the broiler hens.
