1
|
Yamada K, Mano T, Hazim S, Takizawa M, Inoue N, Uenoyama Y, Tsukamura H. Neonatal Aromatase Inhibition Blocked Defeminization of AVPV Kiss1 Neurons and LH Surge-Generating System in Male Rats. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae028. [PMID: 38470466 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine system that controls the preovulatory surge of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers ovulation in female mammals, is sexually differentiated in rodents. A transient increase in circulating testosterone levels in male rats within a few hours of birth is primarily responsible for the defeminization of anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) kisspeptin neurons, which are critical regulators of the GnRH/LH surge. The present study aimed to determine whether neonatal estradiol-17β (E2) converted from testosterone by aromatase primarily causes the defeminization of AVPV kisspeptin neurons and the surge of GnRH/LH in male rodents. The results of the present study showed that the neonatal administration of letrozole (LET), a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, within 2 hours of birth rescued AVPV Kiss1 expression and the LH surge in adult male rats, while the neonatal administration of testosterone propionate (TP) irreversibly attenuated AVPV Kiss1 expression and the LH surge in adult female rats. Furthermore, the neonatal LET-treated Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato reporter males exhibited a comparable number of AVPV Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato-expressing cells to that of vehicle-treated female rats, while neonatal TP-treated females showed fewer AVPV Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato-expressing cells than vehicle-treated females. Moreover, neonatal TP administration significantly decreased the number of arcuate Kiss1-expressing and Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato-positive cells and suppressed LH pulses in adult gonadectomized female rats; however, neonatal LET administration failed to affect them. These results suggest that E2 converted from neonatal testosterone is primarily responsible for the defeminization of AVPV kisspeptin neurons and the subsequent GnRH/LH surge generation in male rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koki Yamada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Safiullah Hazim
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Marina Takizawa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bogacki-Rychlik W, Gawęda K, Bialy M. Neurophysiology of male sexual arousal-Behavioral perspective. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 17:1330460. [PMID: 38333545 PMCID: PMC10851294 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1330460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In the presented review, we analyzed the physiology of male sexual arousal and its relation to the motivational aspects of this behavior. We highlighted the distinction between these processes based on observable physiological and behavioral parameters. Thus, we proposed the experimentally applicable differentiation between sexual arousal (SA) and sexual motivation (SM). We propose to define sexual arousal as an overall autonomic nervous system response leading to penile erection, triggered selectively by specific sexual cues. These autonomic processes include both spinal and supraspinal neuronal networks, activated by sensory pathways including information from sexual partner and sexual context, as well as external and internal genital organs. To avoid misinterpretation of experimental data, we also propose to precise the term "sexual motivation" as all actions performed by the individual that increase the probability of sexual interactions or increase the probability of exposition to sexual context cues. Neuronal structures such as the amygdala, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, hypothalamus, nucleus raphe, periaqueductal gray, and nucleus paragigantocellularis play crucial roles in controlling the level of arousal and regulating peripheral responses via specific autonomic effectors. On the highest level of CNS, the activity of cortical structures involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, can visualize an elevated level of SA in both animal and human brains. From a preclinical perspective, we underlie the usefulness of the non-contact erection test (NCE) procedure in understanding factors influencing sexual arousal, including studies of sexual preference in animal models. Taken together results obtained by different methods, we wanted to focus attention on neurophysiological aspects that are distinctly related to sexual arousal and can be used as an objective parameter, leading to higher translational transparency between basic, preclinical, and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michal Bialy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yamada K, Nagae M, Mano T, Tsuchida H, Hazim S, Goto T, Sanbo M, Hirabayashi M, Inoue N, Uenoyama Y, Tsukamura H. Sex difference in developmental changes in visualized Kiss1 neurons in newly generated Kiss1-Cre rats. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:227-238. [PMID: 37518187 PMCID: PMC10602768 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are master regulators of mammalian reproduction via direct stimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and consequent gonadotropin release. Here, we generated novel Kiss1 (kisspeptin gene)-Cre rats and investigated the developmental changes and sex differences in visualized Kiss1 neurons of Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato reporter rats. First, we validated Kiss1-Cre rats by generating Kiss1-expressing cell-specific Kiss1 knockout (Kiss1-KpKO) rats, which were obtained by crossing the current Kiss1-Cre rats with Kiss1-floxed rats. The resulting male Kiss1-KpKO rats lacked Kiss1 expression in the brain and exhibited hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, similar to the hypogonadal phenotype of global Kiss1 KO rats. Histological analysis of Kiss1 neurons in Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato reporter rats revealed that tdTomato signals in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) were not affected by estrogen, and that tdTomato signals in the ARC, AVPV, and medial amygdala (MeA) were sexually dimorphic. Notably, neonatal AVPV tdTomato signals were detected only in males, but a larger number of tdTomato-expressing cells were detected in the AVPV and ARC, and a smaller number of cells in the MeA was detected in females than in males at postpuberty. These findings suggest that Kiss1-visualized rats can be used to examine the effect of estrogen feedback mechanisms on Kiss1 expression in the AVPV and ARC. Moreover, the Kiss1-Cre and Kiss1-visualized rats could be valuable tools for further detailed analyses of sexual differentiation in the brain and the physiological role of kisspeptin neurons across the brain in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koki Yamada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Mayuko Nagae
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hitomi Tsuchida
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Safiullah Hazim
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Teppei Goto
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Makoto Sanbo
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Watanabe Y, Iwata K, Minabe S, Nakao N, Ishii H, Ozawa H. Central injection of neuropeptide B induces luteinizing hormone release in male and female rats. Peptides 2023; 168:171064. [PMID: 37507090 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide B (NPB) has been identified as an endogenous peptide ligand for the orphan receptor NPBWR1. However, the effect of NPB on the central regulatory mechanisms of reproductive functions remains unclear. Our findings indicated the presence of Npb, Npw (which is another ligand for NPBWR1), and Npbwr1 mRNA in the hypothalamus of male and female rats at each stage of the estrous cycle. Npb mRNA expression was found to be significantly higher in diestrus compared to estrus. The expression of Npw mRNA was one order of magnitude lower than that of Npb mRNA, and Npw mRNA expression in diestrus was significantly higher than that in the other stages of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, Npbwr1 mRNA expression was found to be significantly higher in diestrus compared to the other stages of the estrous cycle and intact males. Notably, estrogen did not alter the expression of Npb, Npw, and Npbwr1 mRNAs in the hypothalamus of females. Central injection of NPB increased plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in both intact males and estrogen-primed ovariectomized females but not in ovariectomized females. These results suggest that NPB-NPBWR1 signaling would be a facilitatory regulatory mechanism in the reproductive function of male and female rats. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report to describe the central role of NPB-NPBWR1 signaling in LH regulation in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youki Watanabe
- Graduate School of Applied Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kinuyo Iwata
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiori Minabe
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakao
- Graduate School of Applied Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ishii
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ozawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan; Faculty of Health Science, Bukkyo University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Uenoyama Y, Tsukamura H. KNDy neurones and GnRH/LH pulse generation: Current understanding and future aspects. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13285. [PMID: 37232103 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Uncovering the central mechanism underlying mammalian reproduction is warranted to develop new therapeutic approaches for reproductive disorders in humans and domestic animals. The present study focused on the role of arcuate kisspeptin neurones (also known as KNDy neurones) as an intrinsic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator, which plays a fundamental role in mammalian reproduction via the stimulation of pituitary gonadotropin synthesis and release and thereby in gametogenesis and steroidogenesis in the gonads of mammals. We also discuss the mechanism that inhibits pulsatile GnRH/gonadotropin release under a negative energy balance, considering that reproductive disorders often occur during malnutrition in humans and livestock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Meng F, Zhao A, Lu H, Zou D, Dong B, Wang X, Liu L, Zhou S. KISS1 Gene Variations and Susceptibility to Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Reprod Sci 2023:10.1007/s43032-023-01203-1. [PMID: 36854822 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that kisspeptin plays an integral role in the regulation of reproduction. Genetic variations in the KISS1 gene have been frequently reported to be linked to reproductive diseases, but there is still a lack of data on the association between KISS1 variations and female reproductive disorders. The present study aimed to examine the association of three missense SNPs in the KISS1 gene including rs12998, rs35431622, and rs4889 in association with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (iRPL). A total of 720 individuals were recruited in this study. The DNA from the blood sample was extracted and genotyped using the PCR method. Haplotype and linkage disequilibrium (LD) have also been analyzed. The results of this study suggested that rs12998 G > A and rs4889 C > G had a significant association with iRPL (p < 0.05); while rs35431622 A > G didn't indicate any association with iRPL. A significant association was also found for three haplotypes including C-A-A, G-G-G, and G-G-A in this population. The analysis also showed a significant LD between rs12998 and rs35431622 (P < 0.0005). The rs12998 G > A and rs4889 C > G variants of KISS1 are linked to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and may be risk factors for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanting Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Aiqin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haiying Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dan Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bei Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Sufang Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen J, Minabe S, Munetomo A, Magata F, Sato M, Nakamura S, Hirabayashi M, Ishihara Y, Yamazaki T, Uenoyama Y, Tsukamura H, Matsuda F. Kiss1-dependent and independent release of luteinizing hormone and testosterone in perinatal male rats. Endocr J 2022; 69:797-807. [PMID: 35125377 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej21-0620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal and postnatal biphasic increases in plasma testosterone levels derived from perinatal testes are considered critical for defeminizing/masculinizing the brain mechanism that regulates sexual behavior in male rats. Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are indispensable for stimulating GnRH and downstream gonadotropin, as well as the consequent testicular testosterone production/release in adult male rats. However, it is unclear whether kisspeptin is responsible for the increase in plasma testosterone levels in perinatal male rats. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Kiss1/kisspeptin in generating perinatal plasma LH and the consequent testosterone increase in male rats by comparing the plasma testosterone and LH profiles of wild-type (Kiss1+/+) and Kiss1 knockout (Kiss1-/-) male rats. A biphasic pattern of plasma testosterone levels, with peaks in the prenatal and postnatal periods, was found in both Kiss1+/+ and Kiss1-/- male rats. Postnatal plasma testosterone and LH levels were significantly lower in Kiss1-/- male rats than in Kiss1+/+ male rats, whereas the levels in the prenatal embryonic period were comparable between the genotypes. Exogenous kisspeptin challenge significantly increased plasma testosterone and LH levels and the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive GnRH neurons in neonatal Kiss1-/- and Kiss1+/+ male rats. Kiss1 and Gpr54 (kisspeptin receptor gene) were found in the testes of neonatal rats, but kisspeptin treatment failed to stimulate testosterone release in the cultured testes of both genotypes. These findings suggest that postnatal, but not prenatal, testosterone increase in male rats is mainly induced by central kisspeptin-dependent stimulation of GnRH and consequent LH release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiori Minabe
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arisa Munetomo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumie Magata
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marimo Sato
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Nakamura
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behaviour, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ishihara
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fuko Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jamieson BB, Piet R. Kisspeptin neuron electrophysiology: Intrinsic properties, hormonal modulation, and regulation of homeostatic circuits. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101006. [PMID: 35640722 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The obligatory role of kisspeptin (KISS1) and its receptor (KISS1R) in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, puberty and fertility was uncovered in 2003. In the few years that followed, an impressive body of work undertaken in many species established that neurons producing kisspeptin orchestrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron activity and subsequent GnRH and gonadotropin hormone secretory patterns, through kisspeptin-KISS1R signaling, and mediate many aspects of gonadal steroid hormone feedback regulation of GnRH neurons. Here, we review knowledge accrued over the past decade, mainly in genetically modified mouse models, of the electrophysiological properties of kisspeptin neurons and their regulation by hormonal feedback. We also discuss recent progress in our understanding of the role of these cells within neuronal circuits that control GnRH neuron activity and GnRH secretion, energy balance and, potentially, other homeostatic and reproductive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Piet
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khan HL, Bhatti S, Sehole Z, Younas H, Nathaniel S, Abbas S, Kaloglu C, Ziders R, Yildiz A, Isa AM. Putative Role of the Kisspeptin/Kiss1R System in Promoting Hypothalamic GnRH Release, Pubertal Maturation, and Regulation of Ovulation Considering the Central Reproductive Axis. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s2661318222500062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin is a class of neuropeptides that are the product of the Kiss1 gene. These neuropeptides play an important role in maintaining gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels and their release through hypothalamic neurons. Subsequently, they also play an important role in maintaining gonadotropin levels, as GnRH levels stimulate the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which allow induction of gametogenesis of pubertal maturation. The importance of the Kiss1 gene in reproduction became evident when natural mutations in this gene were discovered, which were associated with hypothalamic hypogonadism (HH) and delayed puberty. Kisspeptin and its KISS1R receptors are expressed in the mammalian ovary. The putative role of the Kisspeptin system in the ovary directly controls oocyte maturation, follicular development, and ovulation in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. These essential facts of kisspeptin and its receptor are necessary to maintain the central reproductive axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haroon Latif Khan
- Lahore Institute of Fertility and Endocrinology, Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Bhatti
- Lahore Institute of Fertility and Endocrinology, Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zirva Sehole
- Department of Biochemistry, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hooria Younas
- Department of Biochemistry, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sammar Nathaniel
- Department of Biochemistry, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sana Abbas
- Lahore Institute of Fertility and Endocrinology, Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Celal Kaloglu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Rachel Ziders
- You Family Fertility Buffalo-Niagara Falls Area, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Aysegul Yildiz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Kotekli, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Ahmed M. Isa
- Assisted Conception Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xie Q, Kang Y, Zhang C, Xie Y, Wang C, Liu J, Yu C, Zhao H, Huang D. The Role of Kisspeptin in the Control of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis and Reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:925206. [PMID: 35837314 PMCID: PMC9273750 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.925206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of kisspeptin as a critical central regulatory factor of GnRH release has given people a novel understanding of the neuroendocrine regulation in human reproduction. Kisspeptin activates the signaling pathway by binding to its receptor kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) to promote GnRH secretion, thereby regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) axis. Recent studies have shown that kisspeptin neurons located in arcuate nucleus (ARC) co-express neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin (Dyn). Such neurons are called KNDy neurons. KNDy neurons participate in the positive and negative feedback of estrogen to GnRH secretion. In addition, kisspeptin is a key factor in the initiation of puberty, and also regulates the processes of female follicle development, oocyte maturation, and ovulation through the HPG axis. In male reproduction, kisspeptin also plays an important role, getting involved in the regulation of Leydig cells, spermatogenesis, sperm functions and reproductive behaviors. Mutations in the KISS1 gene or disorders of the kisspeptin/KISS1R system may lead to clinical symptoms such as idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (iHH), central precocious puberty (CPP) and female infertility. Understanding the influence of kisspeptin on the reproductive axis and related mechanisms will help the future application of kisspeptin in disease diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we critically appraise the role of kisspeptin in the HPG axis, including its signaling pathways, negative and positive feedback mechanisms, and its control on female and male reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinying Xie
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yafei Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenlu Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Xie
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuxiong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiqian Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|