Kiss1 Neurons And Neuroendocrine Regulation

Mammalian ovulation is the culmination of a complex neurohormonal signaling pathway. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is normally under tonic negative feedback control, but estrogen triggers a GnRH/luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that leads to ovulation. This week, Smith et al. investigated the kisspeptins as potential mediators of this signaling cascade. This family of neuropeptides, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, is expressed in neurons of the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and the arcuate nucleus. The authors hypothesized that activation of Kiss1 neurons is linked to the GnRH/LH surge. In rats, estradiol acted at the two nuclei with opposite effects. Kiss1 mRNA expression was inhibited in the arcuate nucleus but upregulated in the AVPV. The latter coincided with expression of the immediate early gene Fos, consistent with their activation during the GnRH/LH surge. As necessary for their hypothesis, Kiss1 neurons also expressed the estradiol receptor ERa.

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News tips from the Journal of Neuroscience
Jeremy T. Smith, Simina M. Popa, Donald K. Clifton, Gloria E. Hoffman, and Robert A. Steiner

Contact: Sara Harris

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Kiss1 Neurons And Neuroendocrine Regulation