Progression of the diabetic trait is usually more rapid in males than females. The major aim of the present study is to explore sexual dimorphism in the hypothalamus in Akita mice. Akita male mice develop hyperphagia, reducing anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and increasing orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA levels compared with wt males. Serum leptin level was suppressed in Akita males, though castration improved these levels leading to reductions of hyperphagia and blood glucose levels. While Akita female mice also developed hyperphagia, there was no difference in POMC, NPY and leptin levels between Akita and wt females. Anorexigenic Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and corticotrophin- releasing factor (CRF) mRNA levels in Akita females were decreased against wt females. Gonadectomy did not have any effect on the regulation of these neuropeptides. These data suggested that there is sexual dimorphism of neuronal regulation in hyperphagia in Akita mice. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.