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Choudhary S, Kamboj ML, Sahu D, Dutt S, Magotra A, Singh P, Kumar N, Ungerfeld R, Kotresh Prasad C. Effect of biostimulation on growth rate and reproductive development of Bos indicus dairy heifers. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:138. [PMID: 35312838 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03129-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to compare the growth rate, feeding behavior, reproductive development, and concentrations of GH and leptin in Sahiwal heifers exposed to direct bull contact, bull contact through a fenceline, or isolated from bulls. Overall, 24 heifers were allotted to three treatment groups (n = eight/group) based on birth weight, body weight, and age. Heifers from the non-exposed group (NBE) remained isolated from bulls; heifers stimulated by fenceline bull contact (FBE) remained continuously exposed to bulls through a fenceline, and heifers with direct bull contact (DBE+FBE) had direct contact with a bull during 6 h/day plus continuous fenceline bull exposure for the entire 24 h period. It was considered that heifers attained puberty when progesterone concentration was >1 ng/mL. Biostimulated heifers achieved puberty at both a lower age and body weight (P < 0.05) than NBE heifers. Overall, average daily gain (g/day) was greater in DBE+FBE (516.3 ± 4.5) and FBE (501.6 ± 4.3) than in NBE (441.8 ± 2.9, respectively; P < 0.01). Leptin and growth hormone concentrations were significantly greater in FBE and DBE+FBE than NBE heifers. Both groups of biostimulated heifers devoted more time eating than NBE heifers, P < 0.05). In conclusion, biostimulation of Sahiwal heifers, either by exposing them to bulls through a fenceline or by both fenceline exposure and direct contact, reduced the age of puberty and increased growth performance. Overall, fenceline bull exposure can be recommended as an easy handling management to stimulate reproductive precocity and growth rate in heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Choudhary
- Livestock Production Management Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - M L Kamboj
- Livestock Production Management Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Dharma Sahu
- Livestock Production Management Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Sunil Dutt
- Livestock Production Management Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Ankit Magotra
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Pawan Singh
- Livestock Production Management Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Nishant Kumar
- Livestock Production Management Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departmento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - C Kotresh Prasad
- Livestock Production Management Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
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Vélez EJ, Unniappan S. A Comparative Update on the Neuroendocrine Regulation of Growth Hormone in Vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:614981. [PMID: 33708174 PMCID: PMC7940767 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.614981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH), mainly produced from the pituitary somatotrophs is a key endocrine regulator of somatic growth. GH, a pleiotropic hormone, is also involved in regulating vital processes, including nutrition, reproduction, physical activity, neuroprotection, immunity, and osmotic pressure in vertebrates. The dysregulation of the pituitary GH and hepatic insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) affects many cellular processes associated with growth promotion, including protein synthesis, cell proliferation and metabolism, leading to growth disorders. The metabolic and growth effects of GH have interesting applications in different fields, including the livestock industry and aquaculture. The latest discoveries on new regulators of pituitary GH synthesis and secretion deserve our attention. These novel regulators include the stimulators adropin, klotho, and the fibroblast growth factors, as well as the inhibitors, nucleobindin-encoded peptides (nesfatin-1 and nesfatin-1-like peptide) and irisin. This review aims for a comparative analysis of our current understanding of the endocrine regulation of GH from the pituitary of vertebrates. In addition, we will consider useful pharmacological molecules (i.e. stimulators and inhibitors of the GH signaling pathways) that are important in studying GH and somatotroph biology. The main goal of this review is to provide an overview and update on GH regulators in 2020. While an extensive review of each of the GH regulators and an in-depth analysis of specifics are beyond its scope, we have compiled information on the main endogenous and pharmacological regulators to facilitate an easy access. Overall, this review aims to serve as a resource on GH endocrinology for a beginner to intermediate level knowledge seeker on this topic.
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Foradori CD, Whitlock BK, Daniel JA, Zimmerman AD, Jones MA, Read CC, Steele BP, Smith JT, Clarke IJ, Elsasser TH, Keisler DH, Sartin JL. Kisspeptin Stimulates Growth Hormone Release by Utilizing Neuropeptide Y Pathways and Is Dependent on the Presence of Ghrelin in the Ewe. Endocrinology 2017; 158:3526-3539. [PMID: 28977590 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although kisspeptin is the primary stimulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion and therefore the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, recent findings suggest kisspeptin can also regulate additional neuroendocrine processes including release of growth hormone (GH). Here we show that central delivery of kisspeptin causes a robust rise in plasma GH in fasted but not fed sheep. Kisspeptin-induced GH secretion was similar in animals fasted for 24 hours and those fasted for 72 hours, suggesting that the factors involved in kisspeptin-induced GH secretion are responsive to loss of food availability and not the result of severe negative energy balance. Pretreatment with the neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor antagonist, BIBO 3304, blocked the effects of kisspeptin-induced GH release, implicating NPY as an intermediary. Kisspeptin treatment induced c-Fos in NPY and GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) cells of the arcuate nucleus. The same kisspeptin treatment resulted in a reduction in c-Fos in somatostatin (SS) cells in the periventricular nucleus. Finally, blockade of systemic ghrelin release or antagonism of the ghrelin receptor eliminated or reduced the ability of kisspeptin to induce GH release, suggesting the presence of ghrelin is required for kisspeptin-induced GH release in fasted animals. Our findings support the hypothesis that during short-term fasting, systemic ghrelin concentrations and NPY expression in the arcuate nucleus rise. This permits kisspeptin activation of NPY cells. In turn, NPY stimulates GHRH cells and inhibits SS cells, resulting in GH release. We propose a mechanism by which kisspeptin conveys reproductive and hormone status onto the somatotropic axis, resulting in alterations in GH release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad D Foradori
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
| | - Brian K Whitlock
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Jay A Daniel
- Department of Animal Science, Berry College, Mt. Berry, Georgia 30149
| | - Arthur D Zimmerman
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
| | - Melaney A Jones
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
| | - Casey C Read
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
| | - Barbara P Steele
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
| | - Jeremy T Smith
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, Washington 6009, Australia
| | - Iain J Clarke
- Neuroscience Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Theodore H Elsasser
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland 20705
| | - Duane H Keisler
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - James L Sartin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
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Amstalden M, Cardoso RC, Alves BRC, Williams GL. Reproduction Symposium: hypothalamic neuropeptides and the nutritional programming of puberty in heifers. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:3211-22. [PMID: 24894003 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2014-7808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition during the juvenile period has a major impact on timing reproductive maturity in heifers. Restricted growth delays puberty, whereas elevated BW gain advances the onset of puberty. The initiation of high-frequency episodic release of GnRH and, consequently, LH during the peripubertal period is crucial for maturation of the reproductive axis and establishment of normal estrous cycles. Nutritional signals are perceived by metabolic-sensing cells in the hypothalamus, which interact with estradiol-receptive neurons to regulate the secretory activity of GnRH neurons. The orexigenic peptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and the anorexigenic peptide derived from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, melanocyte-stimulating hormone α (αMSH), are believed to be major afferent pathways that transmit inhibitory (NPY) and excitatory (αMSH) inputs to GnRH neurons. The neuropeptide kisspeptin is considered a major stimulator of GnRH secretion and has been shown to mediate estradiol's effect on GnRH neuronal activity. Kisspeptin may also integrate the neuronal pathways mediating the metabolic and gonadal steroid hormone control of gonadotropin secretion. Recent studies in our laboratories indicate that functional and structural changes in the pathways involving NPY, POMC, and kisspeptin neurons occur in response to high rates of BW gain during the juvenile period in heifers. Changes include regulation of expression in NPY, POMC, and KISS1 and plasticity in the neuronal projections to GnRH neurons and within the neuronal network comprising these cells. Moreover, an intricate pattern of differential gene expression in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus occurs in response to feeding high concentrate diets that promote elevated BW gain. Genes involved include those controlling feeding intake and cell metabolism, neuronal growth and remodeling, and synaptic transmission. Characterizing the cellular pathways and molecular networks involved in the mechanisms that control the timing of pubertal onset will assist in improving existing strategies and facilitate the development of novel approaches to program puberty in heifers. These include the use of diets that elevate BW gain during strategic periods of prepubertal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Amstalden
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - R C Cardoso
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843 Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Beeville 78102
| | - B R C Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - G L Williams
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843 Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Beeville 78102
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Allen CC, Alves BRC, Li X, Tedeschi LO, Zhou H, Paschal JC, Riggs PK, Braga-Neto UM, Keisler DH, Williams GL, Amstalden M. Gene expression in the arcuate nucleus of heifers is affected by controlled intake of high- and low-concentrate diets1. J Anim Sci 2012; 90:2222-32. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2011-4684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C. C. Allen
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Texas AgriLife Research, Beeville 78102
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - B. R. C. Alves
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - X. Li
- Poultry Science, and Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - L. O. Tedeschi
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - H. Zhou
- Poultry Science, and Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - J. C. Paschal
- Texas AgriLife Extension, Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Corpus Christi 78406
| | - P. K. Riggs
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - U. M. Braga-Neto
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - D. H. Keisler
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - G. L. Williams
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Texas AgriLife Research, Beeville 78102
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - M. Amstalden
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
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Thomas MG, Amstalden M, Hallford DM, Silver GA, Garcia MD, Keisler DH, Williams GL. Dynamics of GHRH in third-ventricle cerebrospinal fluid of cattle: relationship with serum concentrations of GH and responses to appetite-regulating peptides. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2009; 37:196-205. [PMID: 19632078 PMCID: PMC2760617 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Revised: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives were to (1) characterize the relationship of third-ventricle (IIIV) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with concentrations of GH in the peripheral circulation; and (2) assess the influence of acute administration of appetite-regulating peptides leptin (anti-orexigenic) and neuropeptide Y (NPY; orexigenic) on the release of GHRH. Six mature beef cows fitted with IIIV and jugular vein cannulae were treated intracerebroventricularly with saline, and leptin (600 microg) and NPY (500 microg) in saline, in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design. Third-ventricle CSF and blood were collected 10 min before and continued 220 min after treatments. Mean concentrations of GHRH and frequency of pulses after treatments were 2.2+/-0.13 ng/mL and 1.2+/-0.15 pulses/220 min, respectively. These measures were not influenced by treatments. Concentrations of GHRH in CSF were weakly correlated (r=0.15; P<0.03) with serum concentrations of GH; however, 58% of the GH pulses were preceded by a pulse of GHRH and 90% of the GHRH pulses occurred within 20 min preceding a pulse of GH. Leptin tended (P<0.10) to suppress GH area under the curve (AUC) compared to saline. Concomitantly, NPY tended (P<0.10) to increase GH AUC, which appeared to be a consequence of increased (P<0.05) pulse amplitude. Infusion of NPY also increased (P<0.05) AUC of GHRH relative to saline. No differences were detected among treatments in serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I or its AUC. Sampling CSF from the IIIV appears to be a viable procedure for assessing hypothalamic release of GHRH coincident with anterior pituitary gland secretion of GH in cattle. These data also demonstrate the differential responsiveness of the GH axis to appetite-regulating peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Thomas
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
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Gahete MD, Durán-Prado M, Luque RM, Martínez-Fuentes AJ, Quintero A, Gutiérrez-Pascual E, Córdoba-Chacón J, Malagón MM, Gracia-Navarro F, Castaño JP. Understanding the multifactorial control of growth hormone release by somatotropes: lessons from comparative endocrinology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1163:137-53. [PMID: 19456335 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03660.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Control of postnatal growth is the main, but not the only, role for growth hormone (GH) as this hormone also contributes to regulating metabolism, reproduction, immunity, development, and osmoregulation in different species. Likely owing to this variety of group-specific functions, GH production is differentially regulated across vertebrates, with an apparent evolutionary trend to simplification, especially in the number of stimulatory factors governing substantially GH release. Thus, teleosts exhibit a multifactorial regulation of GH secretion, with a number of factors, from the newly discovered fish GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) to pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) but also gonadotropin-releasing hormone, dopamine, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and somatostatin(s) directly controlling somatotropes. In amphibians and reptiles, GH secretion is primarily stimulated by the major hypothalamic peptides GHRH and PACAP and inhibited by somatostatin(s), while other factors (ghrelin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone) also influence GH release. Finally, in birds and mammals, primary control of GH secretion is exerted by a dual interplay between GHRH and somatostatin. In addition, somatotrope function is modulated by additional hypothalamic and peripheral factors (e.g., ghrelin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I), which together enable a balanced integration of feedback signals related to processes in which GH plays a relevant regulatory role, such as metabolic and energy status, reproductive, and immune function. Interestingly, in contrast to the high number of stimulatory factors impinging upon somatotropes, somatostatin(s) stand(s) as the main primary inhibitory regulator(s) for this cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel D Gahete
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
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Ogasawara H, Aso H, Nagai Y, Matsumoto K, Okamura H, Tanaka S, Watanabe K, Ohwada S, Yamaguchi T. Presence of neuropeptide Y in somatotrophs of cattle. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2008; 35:274-80. [PMID: 18678462 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2008.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Revised: 06/10/2008] [Accepted: 06/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36-amino acid member of the pancreatic polypeptide family, was found to be present by immunohistochemistry in the bovine adenohypophysis. NPY mRNA expression was confirmed in the adenohypophysis by RT-PCR. NPY immunoreactivity was present in about 38% of adenohypophyseal cells in the pars distalis. However, NPY immunoreactive cells (NPY-ir cells) were scarce in the zona tuberalis. Immunohistochemistry of NPY and specific hormones using mirror sections revealed that NPY was colocalized in GH immunoreactive cells. Over 90% of somatotrophs corresponded to NPY-ir cells. These results indicate that endogenous NPY is present in the bovine somatotroph and may act as an endocrine intercellular mediator in the adenohypophysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Ogasawara
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8555, Japan
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Barb CR, Kraeling RR, Rampacek GB, Hausman GJ. The role of neuropeptide Y and interaction with leptin in regulating feed intake and luteinizing hormone and growth hormone secretion in the pig. Reproduction 2006; 131:1127-35. [PMID: 16735552 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.01108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Two experiments (EXP) were conducted in ovariectomized prepubertal gilts to test the hypothesis that neuropeptide Y (NPY) stimulates appetite and modulates LH and GH secretion, and that leptin modifies such acute effects of NPY on feeding behavior and LH and GH secretion. In EXP I, gilts received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of 0.9% saline (saline; n=6), or 10 μg (n=7), 50 μg (n=5) or 100 μg (n=7) NPY in saline and blood samples were collected. In EXP II, gilts received ICV injections of S (n=4), or 50 μg leptin (n=4), or 100 μg NPY (n=4) or 100 μg NPY +50 μg leptin (n=4) in saline, and feed intake was measured at 4, 20 and 44 h after feed presentation and blood samples collected. In EXP I, NPY suppressed LH secretion and the 100 μg dose stimulated GH secretion. In EXP II, NPY reversed the inhibitory effect of leptin on feed intake and suppressed LH secretion, but serum GH concentrations were unaffected. These results support the hypothesis that NPY modulates feed intake, and LH and GH secretion and may serve as a neural link between metabolic state and the reproductive and growth axis in the pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Richard Barb
- USDA/ARS, Animal Physiology Research Unit, Russell Research Center, Athens, GA 30604-5677, USA
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Zieba DA, Amstalden M, Williams GL. Regulatory roles of leptin in reproduction and metabolism: a comparative review. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2005; 29:166-85. [PMID: 15927772 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2005.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2005] [Revised: 02/10/2005] [Accepted: 02/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leptin plays an important role in signaling nutritional status to the central reproductive axis of mammals and appears to be at least a permissive factor in the initiation of puberty. The expression and secretion of leptin are correlated with body fat mass and are acutely affected by changes in feed intake. Moreover, circulating leptin increases during pubertal development in rodents, human females and heifers. Effects of leptin are mediated mainly via receptor activation of the JAK-STAT pathway; however, activation of alternative pathways, such as MAP kinase, has also been reported. Although the leptin receptor (LR) has not been found on GnRH neurons, leptin stimulates the release of GnRH from rat and porcine hypothalamic explants. Moreover, leptin increases the release of LH in rats and from adenohypophyseal explants and/or cells from full-fed rats and pigs. In contrast, stimulation of the hypothalamic-gonadotropic axis by leptin in cattle and sheep is observed predominantly in animals and tissues pre-exposed to profound negative energy balance. For example, leptin prevents fasting-mediated reductions in the frequency of LH pulses in peripubertal heifers, augments the magnitude of LH and GnRH pulses in fasted cows, and enhances basal secretion of LH in vivo and from adenohypophyseal explants of fasted cows. However, leptin is incapable of accelerating the frequency of LH pulses in prepubertal heifers, regardless of nutrient status, and has no effect on the secretion of GnRH and LH in full-fed cattle or hypothalamic/hypophyseal explants derived thereof. Similar to results obtained with LH, basal secretion of GH from anterior pituitary explants of fasted, but not normal-fed cows, was potentiated acutely by low, but not high, doses of leptin. Mechanisms through which undernutrition hypersensitize the hypothalamic-gonadotropic axis to leptin may involve up-regulation of the LR. However, an increase in LR mRNA expression is not a requisite feature of heightened adenohypophyseal responses in fasted cattle. To date, leptin has not been successful for inducing puberty in ruminants. Future therapeutic uses for recombinant leptin that exploit states of nutritional hypersensitization, and identification of genetic markers for genotypic variation in leptin resistance, are currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Zieba
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Texas A&M University Agricultural Research Station, 3507 Hwy 59E, Beeville, TX 78102, USA
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