Distinct SERT Function in Feeding and Obesity Figure 2. Characterization of food intake and adiposity of SERT-deficient mice. A and C. Average daily food intake of 3- and 6- month old mice. SERT mutant mice exhibited significantly reduced food intake during ND and HFD feeding, compared to corresponding WT mice. B and D. Quantification of plasma leptin levels in 16 h fasted mice. SERT mutant mice at the age of 3- and 6-month exhibited higher fasting lepin levels, as compared to corresponding WT controls. E. Body weight at age of 3 months. The differences among WT, SERT2/2 and SERT+/2 mice were not statistically significant. F. Whole-body fat content at age of 3 months. The differences among WT, SERT2/2 and SERT+/2 mice were not statistically significant. For example, p = 0.34 for the difference between WT and SERT2/2 mice, Student’s t-test. G. Body weight at age of 6 months. ND-fed SERT2/2 mice exhibited higher body weight compared to ND-fed WT. The difference between SERT+/2 and WT was, however, not statistically significant. HFD-fed WT mice exhibited higher body weight compared to ND-fed WT mice. However, the difference between PLoS ONE | www.plosone.org 3 March 2012 | Volume 7 | Issue 3 | e32511