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Mills EG, Abbara A, Dhillo WS, Comninos AN. Interactions between kisspeptin and bone: Cellular mechanisms, clinical evidence, and future potential. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024. [PMID: 39269749 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide kisspeptin and its cognate receptor have been extensively studied in reproductive physiology, with diverse and well-established functions, including as an upstream regulator of pubertal onset, reproductive hormone secretion, and sexual behavior. Besides classical reproduction, both kisspeptin and its receptor are extensively expressed in bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts, which putatively permits direct bone effects. Accordingly, this sets the scene for recent compelling findings derived from in vitro experiments through to in vivo and clinical studies revealing prominent regulatory interactions for kisspeptin signaling in bone metabolism, as well as certain oncological aspects of bone metabolism. Herein, we comprehensively examine the experimental evidence obtained to date supporting the interaction between kisspeptin and bone. A comprehensive understanding of this emerging facet of kisspeptin biology is fundamental to exploiting the future therapeutic potential of kisspeptin-based medicines as a novel strategy for treating bone-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Endocrine Bone Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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2
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Sahin Z, Aktas O, Kalkan OF, Cuce G, Alver A, Sahin E, Erdem S, Saglam N, Solak Gormus ZI, Kutlu S. Investigation of effect peripheral kisspeptin treatment on hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in male rats. Biol Futur 2024:10.1007/s42977-024-00241-3. [PMID: 39249652 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-024-00241-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Kisspeptin is an endogenous peptide hormone that is the most potent stimulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The HPG axis can be suppressed by the activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The physiological role of kisspeptin in the interaction of the HPG axis and the HPA axis is not fully understood yet. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the possible effects of peripheral injection (intraperitoneally) of kisspeptin on HPG axis and HPA axis activity as well. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups as sham (control), kisspeptin (10 nmol), p234 (10 nmol), kisspeptin + p234, kisspeptin + antalarmin (10 mg/kg), kisspeptin + astressin2b (100 μg/kg), and kisspeptin + atosiban (0.250 mg/kg) (n = 10 each group). At the end of the experiment, the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and serum samples of the rats were collected. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels of the kisspeptin, kisspeptin + antalarmin and kisspeptin + astressin2b groups were significantly higher than the control group. Serum testosterone levels were significantly higher in the kisspeptin, kisspeptin + antalarmin, kisspeptin + astressin2b, and kisspeptin + atosiban groups that compared to the control group. There was no a significant difference in corticotropic releasing hormone immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone concentrations among all groups. Moreover, no significant difference was found in the concentration of pituitary oxytocin. Our results suggest that peripheral kisspeptin injection induces an activation in the HPG axis, but not in the HPA axis in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zafer Sahin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.
| | - Osman Aktas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Omer Faruk Kalkan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Cuce
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Alver
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Elif Sahin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Seniz Erdem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Saglam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | | | - Selim Kutlu
- Department of Physiology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
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González-Flores O, Domínguez-Ordóñez R, Delgado-Macuil RJ, Tlachi-López JL, Luna-Hernández A, Montes-Narváez O, Pfaus JG, García-Juárez M. Participation of kisspeptin, progesterone, and GnRH receptors on lordosis behavior induced by kisspeptin. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114609. [PMID: 38851441 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114609] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide kisspeptin (Kiss) is crucial in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is produced by two main groups of neurons in the hypothalamus: the rostral periventricular region around the third ventricle and the arcuate nucleus. Kiss is the peptide product of the KiSS-1 gene and serves as the endogenous agonist for the GPR54 receptor. The Kiss/GPR54 system functions as a critical regulator of the reproductive system. Thus, we examined the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of 3 μg of Kiss to the right lateral ventricle of ovariectomized rats primed with a dose of 5 μg subcutaneous (sc) of estradiol benzoate (EB). Kiss treatment increased the lordosis quotient at all times tested. However, the lordosis reflex score was comparatively lower yet still significant compared to the control group. To investigate receptor specificity and downstream mechanisms on lordosis, we infused 10 μg of GPR54 receptor antagonist, Kiss-234, 5 μg of the progestin receptor antagonist, RU486, or 3 μg of antide, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) receptor antagonist, to the right lateral ventricle 30 min before an infusion of 3 μg of Kiss. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in the facilitation of lordosis behavior by Kiss at 60 and 120 min when Kiss-234, RU486, or antide were administered. These findings suggest that Kiss stimulates lordosis expression by activating GPR54 receptors on GnRH neurons and that Kiss/GPR54 system is an essential intermediary by which progesterone activates GnRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar González-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Raymundo Domínguez-Ordóñez
- Licenciatura en Ingeniería Agronómica y Zootecnia, CRC, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de, Puebla, México
| | - Raul Jacobo Delgado-Macuil
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología Aplicada, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Santa Inés, Tecuexcomac, Tlaxcala, México
| | | | - Ailyn Luna-Hernández
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Omar Montes-Narváez
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - James G Pfaus
- Center for Sexual Health and Intervention, Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic; Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marcos García-Juárez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México.
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Kauffman AS. Androgen Inhibition of Reproductive Neuroendocrine Function in Females and Transgender Males. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae113. [PMID: 39207217 PMCID: PMC11393496 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae113] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian function is controlled by pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn are governed by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted from the brain. A fundamental principle of reproductive axis regulation is negative feedback signaling by gonadal sex steroids back to the brain to fine-tune GnRH and gonadotropin secretion. Endogenous negative feedback effects can be mimicked by exogenous steroid treatments, including androgens, in both sexes. Indeed, a growing number of clinical and animal studies indicate that high levels of exogenous androgens, in the typically male physiological range, can inhibit LH secretion in females, as occurs in males. However, the mechanisms by which male-level androgens inhibit GnRH and LH secretion still remain poorly understood, and this knowledge gap is particularly pronounced in transgender men (individuals designated female at birth but identifying as male). Indeed, many transgender men take long-term gender-affirming hormone therapy that mimics male-level testosterone levels. The impact of such gender-affirming testosterone on the reproductive axis, both at the ovarian and neuroendocrine level, is a long-understudied area that still requires further investigation. Importantly, the few concepts of androgen actions in females mostly come from studies of polycystic ovary syndrome, which does not recapitulate a similar androgen milieu or a pathophysiology of inhibited LH secretion as occurs in testosterone-treated transgender men. This review summarizes clinical evidence indicating that exogenous androgens can impair neuroendocrine reproductive function in both female individuals and transgender men and highlights emerging experimental data supporting this in recently developed transgender rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Hernández VS, Zetter MA, Hernández-Pérez O, Hernández-González R, Camacho-Arroyo I, Millar RP, Eiden LE, Zhang L. A comprehensive chemotyping and gonadal regulation of seven kisspeptinergic neuronal populations in the mouse brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.23.604881. [PMID: 39211104 PMCID: PMC11361108 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.23.604881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we present a systematic analysis, using dual and multiplex RNAscope methods, of seven kisspeptinergic neuronal populations, based on their chemotyping and distribution throughout the mouse brain. The co-expression of mRNAs coding for neuropeptides, for excitatory and inhibitory transmitter vesicular transporters, and for sex steroid receptors are described in four hypothalamic and three extra-hypothalamic nuclei. These include a newly characterized kisspeptin-expressing ventral premammillary nucleus cell group co-expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 2, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide and neurotensin mRNAs. Kisspeptin mRNA ( Kiss1) was observed within both somatic and dendritic compartments at a single-cell level in two hypothalamic sites, a prominent and previously undescribed feature of kisspeptin neurons in these two cell groups. Patterns of altered Kiss1 expression following gonadectomy among these seven KP populations suggest that androgen receptor signaling may also play a previously unremarked role in gonadal feedback regulation of kisspeptinergic neuronal function. Data from this study provide a chemoanatomical basis for hypothesis generation regarding the functional diversity of kisspeptinergic signaling in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic brain.
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Wang M, Pugh SM, Daboul J, Miller D, Xu Y, Hill JW. IGF-1 Acts through Kiss1-expressing Cells to Influence Metabolism and Reproduction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.02.601722. [PMID: 39005405 PMCID: PMC11244982 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.02.601722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Objective Kisspeptin, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, ties puberty and fertility to energy status; however, the metabolic factors that control Kiss1-expressing cells need to be clarified. Methods To evaluate the impact of IGF-1 on the metabolic and reproductive functions of kisspeptin producing cells, we created mice with IGF-1 receptor deletion driven by the Kiss1 promoter (IGF1RKiss1 mice). Previous studies have shown IGF-1 and insulin can bind to each other's receptor, permitting IGF-1 signaling in the absence of IGF1R. Therefore, we also generated mice with simultaneous deletion of the IGF1R and insulin receptor (IR) in Kiss1-expressing cells (IGF1R/IRKiss1 mice). Results Loss of IGF1R in Kiss1 cells caused stunted body length. In addition, female IGF1RKiss1 mice displayed lower body weight and food intake plus higher energy expenditure and physical activity. This phenotype was linked to higher proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression and heightened brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. Male IGF1RKiss1 mice had mild changes in metabolic functions. Moreover, IGF1RKiss1 mice of both sexes experienced delayed puberty. Notably, male IGF1RKiss1 mice had impaired adulthood fertility accompanied by lower gonadotropin and testosterone levels. Thus, IGF1R in Kiss1-expressing cells impacts metabolism and reproduction in a sex-specific manner. IGF1R/IRKiss1 mice had higher fat mass and glucose intolerance, suggesting IGF1R and IR in Kiss1-expressing cells together regulate body composition and glucose homeostasis. Conclusions Overall, our study shows that IGF1R and IR in Kiss1 have cooperative roles in body length, metabolism, and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Wang
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Seamus M. Pugh
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Judy Daboul
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - David Miller
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer W. Hill
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
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Yamamoto S, Arakaki R, Noguchi H, Takeda A, Uchishiba M, Kamada S, Mineda A, Kon M, Kinouchi R, Yamamoto Y, Yoshida K, Kaji T, Shinohara N, Iwasa T. Kisspeptin administration may promote precopulatory behavior in male rats independently or supplementally to testosterone and contribute to proceptive behavior in female partners, reducing mating failure. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 353:114528. [PMID: 38643848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114528] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Kisspeptin is a peptide that plays an important role through its effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It has also been implicated in sexual behavior. The present study investigated whether the relationship between kisspeptin and sexual behavior is independent of the HPG axis, i.e., testosterone. Sexual behavior was examined after the administration of kisspeptin to gonadally intact male rats and gonadectomized male rats that received testosterone supplementation. Other male rats were also observed for sexual behavior once a week from 2 to 5 weeks after gonadectomy and receiving kisspeptin for the sixth postoperative week. Sexual behavior in female rats serving as the partner for each male was also observed. Female rats were not administered kisspeptin in the present study. The results obtained showed that the administration of kisspeptin increased precopulatory behavior in gonadally intact male rats and gonadectomized male rats that received testosterone supplementation and proceptive behavior in their female partners. Precopulatory behavior in males and receptive behavior in females increased, while copulatory behavior in males and receptive behavior in females remained unchanged. Furthermore, the administration of kisspeptin increased precopulatory behavior in gonadectomized males, but did not affect receptive behavior in females. These results suggest that kisspeptin affected males independently and/or supplementally to testosterone, and also that changes in the presence of testosterone in males had an impact on proceptive behavior in their female partners. In conclusion, kisspeptin may involve an as-yet-unidentified neural pathway in sexual desire independently of the HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan; Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Arakaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Maimi Uchishiba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Ayuka Mineda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kon
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Riyo Kinouchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Kaji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan.
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Sahin Z, Aktas O, Kalkan OF, Cuce G, Alver A, Sahin E, Erdem S, Saglam N, Solak Gormus ZI, Kutlu S. Intracerebroventricular injection of kisspeptin in male rats activates hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis, but not hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2024; 44:19-26. [PMID: 38647103 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2024.2333470] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Kisspeptin is an important hormone involved in the stimulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis. The HPG axis can be suppressed in certain conditions such as stress, which gives rise to the activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, the physiological role of kisspeptin in the interaction of HPG and HPA axis is not fully understood yet. This study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of central kisspeptin injection on HPG axis as well as HPA axis activity. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups as followed: sham (control), kisspeptin (50 pmol), P234 (1 nmol), kisspeptin + p234, kisspeptin + antalarmin (0.1 μg), kisspeptin + astressin 2B (1 μg), and kisspeptin + atosiban (300 ng/rat) (n = 10 each group). At the end of the experiments, the hypothalamus, pituitary, and serum samples of the rats were collected. There was no significant difference in corticotropic-releasing hormone immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, serum adrenocorticotropic hormone, and corticosterone levels among all groups. Moreover, no significant difference was detected in pituitary oxytocin level. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels of the kisspeptin, kisspeptin + antalarmin, and kisspeptin + astressin 2B groups were significantly higher than the control group. Serum testosterone levels were significantly higher in the kisspeptin kisspeptin + antalarmin, kisspeptin + astressin 2B, and kisspeptin + atosiban groups compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that central kisspeptin injection causes activation in the HPG axis, but not the HPA axis in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zafer Sahin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Osman Aktas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Omer Faruk Kalkan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Cuce
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Alver
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Elif Sahin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Seniz Erdem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Saglam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | | | - Selim Kutlu
- Department of Physiology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
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Patel B, Koysombat K, Mills EG, Tsoutsouki J, Comninos AN, Abbara A, Dhillo WS. The Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:30-68. [PMID: 37467734 PMCID: PMC10765167 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) and neurokinin B (NKB) are neuropeptides that govern the reproductive endocrine axis through regulating hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal activity and pulsatile GnRH secretion. Their critical role in reproductive health was first identified after inactivating variants in genes encoding for KP or NKB signaling were shown to result in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and a failure of pubertal development. Over the past 2 decades since their discovery, a wealth of evidence from both basic and translational research has laid the foundation for potential therapeutic applications. Beyond KP's function in the hypothalamus, it is also expressed in the placenta, liver, pancreas, adipose tissue, bone, and limbic regions, giving rise to several avenues of research for use in the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy, metabolic, liver, bone, and behavioral disorders. The role played by NKB in stimulating the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center to mediate menopausal hot flashes has led to the development of medications that antagonize its action as a novel nonsteroidal therapeutic agent for this indication. Furthermore, the ability of NKB antagonism to partially suppress (but not abolish) the reproductive endocrine axis has supported its potential use for the treatment of various reproductive disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. This review will provide a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the preclinical and clinical data that have paved the way for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of KP and NKB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijal Patel
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Kanyada Koysombat
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Jovanna Tsoutsouki
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
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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.
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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
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11
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Cutia CA, Christian-Hinman CA. Mechanisms linking neurological disorders with reproductive endocrine dysfunction: Insights from epilepsy research. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 71:101084. [PMID: 37506886 PMCID: PMC10818027 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101084] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal hormone actions in the brain can both worsen and alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders. Although neurological conditions and reproductive endocrine function are seemingly disparate, compelling evidence indicates that reciprocal interactions exist between certain disorders and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis irregularities. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that shows significant reproductive endocrine dysfunction (RED) in clinical populations. Seizures, particularly those arising from temporal lobe structures, can drive HPG axis alterations, and hormones produced in the HPG axis can reciprocally modulate seizure activity. Despite this relationship, mechanistic links between seizures and RED, and vice versa, are still largely unknown. Here, we review clinical evidence alongside recent investigations in preclinical animal models into the contributions of seizures to HPG axis malfunction, describe the effects of HPG axis hormonal feedback on seizure activity, and discuss how epilepsy research can offer insight into mechanisms linking neurological disorders to HPG axis dysfunction, an understudied area of neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn A Cutia
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Catherine A Christian-Hinman
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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12
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Kumar SS, Bouwer GT, Jackson MK, Perkinson MR, McDonald FJ, Brown CH, Augustine RA. Kisspeptin neuron projections to oxytocin neurons are not necessary for parturition in the mouse. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:1535-1548. [PMID: 37389617 PMCID: PMC10335956 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02670-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin is synthesized by hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons and is released from the posterior pituitary gland to trigger uterine contractions during parturition. In rats, oxytocin neuron innervation by periventricular nucleus (PeN) kisspeptin neurons increases over pregnancy and intra-SON kisspeptin administration excites oxytocin neurons only in late pregnancy. To test the hypothesis that kisspeptin neurons excite oxytocin neurons to trigger uterine contractions during birth in C57/B6J mice, double-label immunohistochemistry for kisspeptin and oxytocin first confirmed that kisspeptin neurons project to the SON and PVN. Furthermore, kisspeptin fibers expressed synaptophysin and formed close appositions with oxytocin neurons in the mouse SON and PVN before and during pregnancy. Stereotaxic viral delivery of caspase-3 into the AVPV/PeN of Kiss-Cre mice before mating reduced kisspeptin expression in the AVPV, PeN, SON and PVN by > 90% but did not affect the duration of pregnancy or the timing of delivery of each pup during parturition. Therefore, it appears that AVPV/PeN kisspeptin neuron projections to oxytocin neurons are not necessary for parturition in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini S Kumar
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Gregory T Bouwer
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Meliame K Jackson
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Perkinson
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Fiona J McDonald
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Colin H Brown
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Rachael A Augustine
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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13
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Ivanova D, O'Byrne KT. Optogenetics studies of kisspeptin neurons. Peptides 2023; 162:170961. [PMID: 36731655 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.170961] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Optical systems and genetic engineering technologies have made it possible to control neurons and unravel neuronal circuit behavior with high temporal and spatial resolution. The application of optogenetic strategies to understand the physiology of kisspeptin neuronal circuits has evolved in recent years among the neuroendocrine community. Kisspeptin neurons are fundamentally involved in controlling mammalian reproduction but also are implicated in numerous other physiological processes, including but not limited to feeding, energy expenditure, core body temperature and behavior. We conducted a review aiming to shed light on the novel findings obtained from in vitro and in vivo optogenetic studies interrogating kisspeptin neuronal circuits to date. Understanding the function of kisspeptin networks in the brain can greatly inform a wide range of clinical studies investigating infertility treatments, gender identity, metabolic disorders, hot flushes and psychosexual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyana Ivanova
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, UK.
| | - Kevin T O'Byrne
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, UK
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14
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Prashar V, Arora T, Singh R, Sharma A, Parkash J. Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons: Integral Elements of the GnRH System. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:802-822. [PMID: 35799018 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Highly sophisticated and synchronized interactions of various cells and hormonal signals are required to make organisms competent for reproduction. GnRH neurons act as a common pathway for multiple cues for the onset of puberty and attaining reproductive function. GnRH is not directly receptive to most of the signals required for the GnRH secretion during the various phases of the ovarian cycle. Kisspeptin neurons of the hypothalamus convey these signals required for the synchronized release of the GnRH. The steroid-sensitive anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) kisspeptin and arcuate nucleus (ARC) KNDy neurons convey steroid feedback during the reproductive cycle necessary for GnRH surge and pulse, respectively. AVPV region kisspeptin neurons also communicate with nNOS synthesizing neurons and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons to coordinate the process of the ovarian cycle. Neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin play roles in the GnRH pulse stimulation and inhibition, respectively. The loss of NKB and kisspeptin function results in the development of neuroendocrine disorders such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and infertility. Ca2+ signaling is essential for GnRH pulse generation, which is propagated through gap junctions between astrocytes-KNDy and KNDy-KNDy neurons. Impaired functioning of KNDy neurons could develop the characteristics associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in rodents. Kisspeptin-increased synthesis led to excessive secretion of the LH associated with PCOS. This review provides the latest insights and understanding into the role of the KNDy and AVPV/POA kisspeptin neurons in GnRH secretion and PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Prashar
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Tania Arora
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Randeep Singh
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Arti Sharma
- Department of Computational Sciences, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Jyoti Parkash
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India.
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15
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Gui Z, Lv M, Han M, Li S, Mo Z. Effect of CPP-related genes on GnRH secretion and Notch signaling pathway during puberty. Biomed J 2022; 46:100575. [PMID: 36528337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.12.003] [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: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Puberty is a complex biological process of sexual development, influenced by genetic, metabolic-nutritional, environmental and socioeconomic factors, characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics, maturation of the gonads, leading to the acquisition of reproductive capacity. The onset of central precocious puberty (CPP) is mainly associated with the early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and increased secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to increased pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and activation of gonadal function. Due to the expense and invasiveness of current diagnostic testing and drug therapies for CPP, it would be helpful to find serum and genetic markers to facilitate diagnosis. In this paper, we summarized the related factors that may affect the expression of GnRH1 gene and the secretion and action pathway of GnRH and related sex hormones, and found several potential targets, such as MKRN3, DLK1 and KISS1. Although, the specific mechanism still needs to be further studied, we would be encouraged if the insights from this review could provide new insights for future research and clinical diagnosis and treatment of CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Gui
- Guangxi Provincial Postgraduate Co-training Base for Collaborative Innovation in Basic Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China; Clinical Medicine of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Mei Lv
- Guangxi Provincial Postgraduate Co-training Base for Collaborative Innovation in Basic Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China; Anshun City People's Hospital, Anshun, Guizhou, China
| | - Min Han
- Clinical Medicine of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shan Li
- Guangxi Provincial Postgraduate Co-training Base for Collaborative Innovation in Basic Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhongcheng Mo
- Guangxi Provincial Postgraduate Co-training Base for Collaborative Innovation in Basic Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China.
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16
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González-Flores O, Pfaus JG, Luna-Hernández A, Montes-Narváez O, Domínguez-Ordóñez R, Tecamachaltzi-Silvarán MB, García-Juárez M. Estradiol and progesterone-induced lordosis behavior is modulated by both the Kisspeptin receptor and melanin-concentrating hormone in estradiol benzoate-primed rats. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105257. [PMID: 36115135 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105257] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of estradiol benzoate (E2B) and progesterone (P) induces intense lordosis behavior in ovariectomized rats primed peripherally with E2B. The present study tested the hypothesis that the Kisspeptin (Kiss) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) pathways regulate female sexual behavior induced by these steroid hormones. In Experiment 1, we tested the relevance of the Kiss pathway by ICV infusion of its inhibitor, kiss-234, before administration of E2B or P in estrogen-primed rats. Lordosis induced by E2B alone or with the addition of P was reduced significantly at 30, 120, and 240 min. In Experiment 2, ICV infusion of MCH 30 min before E2B or P significantly reduced lordosis in rats primed with E2B alone. These data support the hypothesis that the Kiss and MCH pathways, which can release or modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), are involved in E2B- and P-induced lordosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar González-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México
| | - James G Pfaus
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Ailyn Luna-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México; Maestría en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Omar Montes-Narváez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México; Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Raymundo Domínguez-Ordóñez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México; Licenciatura en Ingeniería Agronómica y Zootecnia, CRC, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México
| | | | - Marcos García-Juárez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México.
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17
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Mills EG, Dhillo WS. Invited review: Translating kisspeptin and neurokinin B biology into new therapies for reproductive health. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13201. [PMID: 36262016 PMCID: PMC9788075 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive neuropeptide kisspeptin has emerged as the master regulator of mammalian reproduction due to its key roles in the initiation of puberty and the control of fertility. Alongside the tachykinin neurokinin B and the endogenous opioid dynorphin, these peptides are central to the hormonal control of reproduction. Building on the expanding body of experimental animal models, interest has flourished with human studies revealing that kisspeptin administration stimulates physiological reproductive hormone secretion in both healthy men and women, as well as patients with common reproductive disorders. In addition, emerging therapeutic roles based on neurokinin B for the management of menopausal flushing, endometriosis and uterine fibroids are increasingly recognised. In this review, we focus on kisspeptin and neurokinin B and their potential application as novel clinical strategies for the management of reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G. Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative MedicineImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Department of EndocrinologyImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative MedicineImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Department of EndocrinologyImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
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18
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Zubair H, Shamas S, Ullah H, Nabi G, Huma T, Ullah R, Hussain R, Shahab M. Morphometric and Myelin Basic Protein Expression Changes in Arcuate Nucleus Kisspeptin Neurons Underlie Activation of Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal-axis in Monkeys ( Macaca Mulatta) during the Breeding Season. Endocr Res 2022; 47:113-123. [PMID: 35866239 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2022.2102649] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kisspeptin is involved in the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal-axis' seasonal regulation in rodents and sheep. Studies of kisspeptin signaling in regulating the transition between breeding and nonbreeding seasons have focused on kisspeptin expression, myelin basic protein (MBP) expression around kisspeptin-ir cells, and quantifying the synaptic connections between kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in various animal models; however, the role of kisspeptin in regulating the seasonal breeding of primates has not been explored yet. OBJECTIVE This study investigated changes in kisspeptin signaling during breeding and a non-breeding season in a non-human primate model, the rhesus monkey. METHODS Three adult male monkeys (n = 3) from the breeding season and two monkeys (n = 2) from the non-breeding season were used in this study. After measuring the testicular volume and collecting a single blood sample, all animals were humanely euthanized under controlled conditions, and their hypothalami were collected and processed. Two 20 µm thick hypothalamic sections (mediobasal hypothalamus) from each animal were processed for kisspeptin-MBP and kisspeptin-GnRH immunohistochemistry (IHC). One section from each animal was used as a primary antibody omitted control to check the nonspecific binding in each IHC. RESULTS Compared to the non-breeding season, plasma testosterone levels and testicular volumes were significantly higher in monkeys during the breeding season. Furthermore, compared to the non-breeding season, increased kisspeptin expression and a higher number of synaptic contacts between kisspeptin fibers and GnRH cell bodies were observed in the arcuate nucleus of the breeding season monkeys. In contrast, enlarged kisspeptin soma and higher MBP expression were observed in non-breeding monkeys. CONCLUSION Our results indicated enhanced kisspeptin signaling in primate hypothalamus during the breeding season. These findings support the idea that kisspeptin acts as a mediator for the seasonal regulation of the reproductive axis in higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hira Zubair
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shazia Shamas
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Zoology, University of Gujrat, Hafiz Hayat Campus, Gujrat, Pakistan
| | - Hamid Ullah
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Tanzeel Huma
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rahim Ullah
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, ZJ, China
| | - Rashad Hussain
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro-medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Muhammad Shahab
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Benevento M, Hökfelt T, Harkany T. Ontogenetic rules for the molecular diversification of hypothalamic neurons. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:611-627. [PMID: 35906427 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus is an evolutionarily conserved endocrine interface that, among other roles, links central homeostatic control to adaptive bodily responses by releasing hormones and neuropeptides from its many neuronal subtypes. In its preoptic, anterior, tuberal and mammillary subdivisions, a kaleidoscope of magnocellular and parvocellular neuroendocrine command neurons, local-circuit neurons, and neurons that project to extrahypothalamic areas are intermingled in partially overlapping patches of nuclei. Molecular fingerprinting has produced data of unprecedented mass and depth to distinguish and even to predict the synaptic and endocrine competences, connectivity and stimulus selectivity of many neuronal modalities. These new insights support eminent studies from the past century but challenge others on the molecular rules that shape the developmental segregation of hypothalamic neuronal subtypes and their use of morphogenic cues for terminal differentiation. Here, we integrate single-cell RNA sequencing studies with those of mouse genetics and endocrinology to describe key stages of hypothalamus development, including local neurogenesis, the direct terminal differentiation of glutamatergic neurons, transition cascades for GABAergic and GABAergic cell-derived dopamine cells, waves of local neuronal migration, and sequential enrichment in neuropeptides and hormones. We particularly emphasize how transcription factors determine neuronal identity and, consequently, circuit architecture, and whether their deviations triggered by environmental factors and hormones provoke neuroendocrine illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Benevento
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomas Hökfelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum 7D, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tibor Harkany
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum 7D, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
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20
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Kauffman AS. Neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying estrogen positive feedback and the LH surge. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:953252. [PMID: 35968365 PMCID: PMC9364933 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.953252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A fundamental principle in reproductive neuroendocrinology is sex steroid feedback: steroid hormones secreted by the gonads circulate back to the brain to regulate the neural circuits governing the reproductive neuroendocrine axis. These regulatory feedback loops ultimately act to modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, thereby affecting gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary. In females, rising estradiol (E2) during the middle of the menstrual (or estrous) cycle paradoxically "switch" from being inhibitory on GnRH secretion ("negative feedback") to stimulating GnRH release ("positive feedback"), resulting in a surge in GnRH secretion and a downstream LH surge that triggers ovulation. While upstream neural afferents of GnRH neurons, including kisspeptin neurons in the rostral hypothalamus, are proposed as critical loci of E2 feedback action, the underlying mechanisms governing the shift between E2 negative and positive feedback are still poorly understood. Indeed, the precise cell targets, neural signaling factors and receptors, hormonal pathways, and molecular mechanisms by which ovarian-derived E2 indirectly stimulates GnRH surge secretion remain incompletely known. In many species, there is also a circadian component to the LH surge, restricting its occurrence to specific times of day, but how the circadian clock interacts with endocrine signals to ultimately time LH surge generation also remains a major gap in knowledge. Here, we focus on classic and recent data from rodent models and discuss the consensus knowledge of the neural players, including kisspeptin, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and glia, as well as endocrine players, including estradiol and progesterone, in the complex regulation and generation of E2-induced LH surges in females.
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Piet
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
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22
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Hu KL, Chen Z, Li X, Cai E, Yang H, Chen Y, Wang C, Ju L, Deng W, Mu L. Advances in clinical applications of kisspeptin-GnRH pathway in female reproduction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:81. [PMID: 35606759 PMCID: PMC9125910 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptin is the leading upstream regulator of pulsatile and surge Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone secretion (GnRH) in the hypothalamus, which acts as the key governor of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis. MAIN TEXT Exogenous kisspeptin or its receptor agonist can stimulate GnRH release and subsequent physiological gonadotropin secretion in humans. Based on the role of kisspeptin in the hypothalamus, a broad application of kisspeptin and its receptor agonist has been recently uncovered in humans, including central control of ovulation, oocyte maturation (particularly in women at a high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), test for GnRH neuronal function, and gatekeepers of puberty onset. In addition, the kisspeptin analogs, such as TAK-448, showed promising agonistic activity in healthy women as well as in women with hypothalamic amenorrhoea or polycystic ovary syndrome. CONCLUSION More clinical trials should focus on the therapeutic effect of kisspeptin, its receptor agonist and antagonist in women with reproductive disorders, such as hypothalamic amenorrhoea, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lun Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, No.49 Huayuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China, 100191
- Zhejiang MedicalTech Therapeutics Company, No.665 Yumeng Road, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325200
| | - Zimiao Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325000
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Zhejiang MedicalTech Therapeutics Company, No.665 Yumeng Road, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325200
| | - Enci Cai
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325000
| | - Yi Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325000
| | - Congying Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325000
| | - Liping Ju
- Zhejiang MedicalTech Therapeutics Company, No.665 Yumeng Road, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325200
| | - Wenhai Deng
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325006.
| | - Liangshan Mu
- Zhejiang MedicalTech Therapeutics Company, No.665 Yumeng Road, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325200.
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23
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Ma Y, Awe O, Radovick S, Yang X, Divall S, Wolfe A, Wu S. Lower FSH With Normal Fertility in Male Mice Lacking Gonadotroph Kisspeptin Receptor. Front Physiol 2022; 13:868593. [PMID: 35557961 PMCID: PMC9089166 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.868593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The kisspeptin receptor, crucial for hypothalamic control of puberty and reproduction, is also present in the pituitary gland. Its role in the pituitary gland is not defined. Kisspeptin signaling via the Kiss1r could potentially regulate reproductive function at the level of pituitary gonadotrope. Using Cre/Lox technology, we deleted the Kiss1r gene in pituitary gonadotropes (PKiRKO). PKiRKO males have normal genital development (anogenital distance WT: 19.1 ± 0.4 vs. PKiRKO: 18.5 ± 0.4 mm), puberty onset, testes cell structure on gross histology, normal testes size, and fertility. PKiRKO males showed significantly decreased serum FSH levels compared to WT males (5.6 ± 1.9 vs. 10.2 ± 1.8 ng/ml) with comparable LH (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.8 ± 0.4 ng/ml) and testosterone levels (351.8 ± 213.0 vs. 342.2 ± 183.0 ng/dl). PKiRKO females have normal puberty onset, cyclicity, LH and FSH levels and fertility. Overall, these findings indicate that absence of pituitary Kiss1r reduces FSH levels in male mice without affecting testis function. PKiRKO mice have normal reproductive function in both males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Olubusayo Awe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sally Radovick
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sara Divall
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle's Children's Hospital, Seattle, United States
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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24
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Grassi D, Marraudino M, Garcia-Segura LM, Panzica GC. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus as a central hub for the estrogenic modulation of neuroendocrine function and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100974. [PMID: 34995643 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) help coordinate reproduction with body physiology, growth and metabolism. PVN integrates hormonal and neural signals originating in the periphery, generating an output mediated both by its long-distance neuronal projections, and by a variety of neurohormones produced by its magnocellular and parvocellular neurosecretory cells. Here we review the cyto-and chemo-architecture, the connectivity and function of PVN and the sex-specific regulation exerted by estradiol on PVN neurons and on the expression of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neuropeptides and neurohormones in PVN. Classical and non-classical estrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in neuronal afferents to PVN and in specific PVN interneurons, projecting neurons, neurosecretory neurons and glial cells that are involved in the input-output integration and coordination of neurohormonal signals. Indeed, PVN ERs are known to modulate body homeostatic processes such as autonomic functions, stress response, reproduction, and metabolic control. Finally, the functional implications of the estrogenic modulation of the PVN for body homeostasis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Grassi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Marraudino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - G C Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy; Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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25
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Camera M, Russo I, Zamboni V, Ammoni A, Rando S, Morellato A, Cimino I, Angelini C, Giacobini P, Oleari R, Amoruso F, Cariboni A, Franceschini I, Turco E, Defilippi P, Merlo GR. p140Cap Controls Female Fertility in Mice Acting via Glutamatergic Afference on Hypothalamic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:744693. [PMID: 35237119 PMCID: PMC8884249 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.744693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
p140Cap, encoded by the gene SRCIN1 (SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1), is an adaptor/scaffold protein highly expressed in the mouse brain, participating in several pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms. p140Cap knock-out (KO) female mice show severe hypofertility, delayed puberty onset, altered estrus cycle, reduced ovulation, and defective production of luteinizing hormone and estradiol during proestrus. We investigated the role of p140Cap in the development and maturation of the hypothalamic gonadotropic system. During embryonic development, migration of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) neurons from the nasal placode to the forebrain in p140Cap KO mice appeared normal, and young p140Cap KO animals showed a normal number of GnRH-immunoreactive (-ir) neurons. In contrast, adult p140Cap KO mice showed a significant loss of GnRH-ir neurons and a decreased density of GnRH-ir projections in the median eminence, accompanied by reduced levels of GnRH and LH mRNAs in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, respectively. We examined the number of kisspeptin (KP) neurons in the rostral periventricular region of the third ventricle, the number of KP-ir fibers in the arcuate nucleus, and the number of KP-ir punctae on GnRH neurons but we found no significant changes. Consistently, the responsiveness to exogenous KP in vivo was unchanged, excluding a cell-autonomous defect on the GnRH neurons at the level of KP receptor or its signal transduction. Since glutamatergic signaling in the hypothalamus is critical for both puberty onset and modulation of GnRH secretion, we examined the density of glutamatergic synapses in p140Cap KO mice and observed a significant reduction in the density of VGLUT-ir punctae both in the preoptic area and on GnRH neurons. Our data suggest that the glutamatergic circuitry in the hypothalamus is altered in the absence of p140Cap and is required for female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Camera
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Isabella Russo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Zamboni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ammoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simona Rando
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Morellato
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Cimino
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Inserm U1172, Lille, France
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust–Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Costanza Angelini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Inserm U1172, Lille, France
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Amoruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabelle Franceschini
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, French National Centre for Scientific Research, French Institute of the Horse and Riding, French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Emilia Turco
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Defilippi,
| | - Giorgio R. Merlo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Giorgio R. Merlo,
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26
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Raúl Schmidt A, Ignacio Felipe Inserra P, Andrés Cortasa S, Proietto S, Fidel V, Halperin J, Daniel Vitullo A, Berta Dorfman V. Distribution of kisspeptin system and its relation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus of the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 317:113974. [PMID: 34973969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113974] [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: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KISS), a key hormone involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, has been localized in the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nucleus and the neighboring rostral periventricular nucleus (PeVN), and in the arcuate (ARC) nucleus of the mammalian hypothalamus. In the ARC, the KISS neurons that co-express neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin A (Dyn) are named KNDy cells. The South American plains vizcacha is a rodent with peculiar reproductive traits. Around mid-pregnancy, vizcacha shows the reactivation of its HPO axis with the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), an essential event for the success of gestation. Considering the role of KISS system in GnRH modulation, the aim of this work was to study their neuroanatomical distribution in adult vizcachas. AVPV showed sexual dimorphism with a significant smaller area in males (t-Test, p < 0.05), and KISS immunoreactivity was detected in somas and varicosities homogenously distributed in the AVPV with a concordant sex-related expression pattern. NKB and Dyn expression was also observed in cytoplasm of neurons scattered in the AVPV. Three subpopulations of neurons were detected in the AVPV: neurons expressing Dyn and NKB (DyNK cells), neurons expressing KISS and NKB (KiNK cells), and single NKB expressing neurons. Strikingly, KISS and Dyn were always expressed in different cells. In addition, in the ARC nucleus, KNDy cells were detected. On the other hand, KISS and GnRH expression was detected in different subpopulations of neurons, GnRH cells showed KISS receptor (KISSR or GPR-54) expression, and KISS immunoreactive afferent contacts were detected making close appositions onto somas and dendrites of GnRH cells. These results show similarities and differences between the KISS system in the hypothalamus of the vizcacha and other mammals, and constitute crucial observations about KISS and GnRH relation. Considering the peculiarity of HPO axis regulation in this species, the present work provides a neuroanatomical framework for the further elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying GnRH expression and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Raúl Schmidt
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Pablo Ignacio Felipe Inserra
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Santiago Andrés Cortasa
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Sofía Proietto
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Victoria Fidel
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Halperin
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Alfredo Daniel Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Verónica Berta Dorfman
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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27
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Sivalingam M, Ogawa S, Trudeau VL, Parhar IS. Conserved functions of hypothalamic kisspeptin in vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 317:113973. [PMID: 34971635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin encoded by KISS1/Kiss1 gene emerged as a regulator of the reproductive axis in mammals following the discovery of the kisspeptin receptor (Kissr) and its role in reproduction. Kisspeptin-Kissr systems have been investigated in various vertebrates, and a conserved sequence of kisspeptin-Kissr has been identified in most vertebrate species except in the avian linage. In addition, multiple paralogs of kisspeptin sequences have been identified in the non-mammalian vertebrates. The allegedly conserved role of kisspeptin-Kissr in reproduction became debatable when kiss/kissr genes-deficient zebrafish and medaka showed no apparent effect on the onset of puberty, sexual development, maturation and reproductive capacity. Therefore, it is questionable whether the role of kisspeptin in reproduction is conserved among vertebrate species. Here we discuss from a comparative and evolutional aspect the diverse functions of kisspeptin and its receptor in vertebrates. Primarily this review focuses on the role of hypothalamic kisspeptin in reproductive and non-reproductive functions that are conserved in vertebrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mageswary Sivalingam
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffery Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffery Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffery Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
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28
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Rønnekleiv OK, Qiu J, Kelly MJ. Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons and the Control of Homeostasis. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqab253. [PMID: 34953135 PMCID: PMC8758343 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons provide indispensable excitatory transmission to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons for the coordinated release of gonadotropins, estrous cyclicity, and ovulation. But maintaining reproductive functions is metabolically demanding so there must be a coordination with multiple homeostatic functions, and it is apparent that Kiss1 neurons play that role. There are 2 distinct populations of hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons, namely arcuate nucleus (Kiss1ARH) neurons and anteroventral periventricular and periventricular nucleus (Kiss1AVPV/PeN) neurons in rodents, both of which excite GnRH neurons via kisspeptin release but are differentially regulated by ovarian steroids. Estradiol (E2) increases the expression of kisspeptin in Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons but decreases its expression in Kiss1ARH neurons. Also, Kiss1ARH neurons coexpress glutamate and Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons coexpress gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), both of which are upregulated by E2 in females. Also, Kiss1ARH neurons express critical metabolic hormone receptors, and these neurons are excited by insulin and leptin during the fed state. Moreover, Kiss1ARH neurons project to and excite the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin neurons but inhibit the orexigenic neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related peptide neurons, highlighting their role in regulating feeding behavior. Kiss1ARH and Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons also project to the preautonomic paraventricular nucleus (satiety) neurons and the dorsomedial nucleus (energy expenditure) neurons to differentially regulate their function via glutamate and GABA release, respectively. Therefore, this review will address not only how Kiss1 neurons govern GnRH release, but how they control other homeostatic functions through their peptidergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic connections, providing further evidence that Kiss1 neurons are the key neurons coordinating energy states with reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jian Qiu
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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29
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Gołyszny M, Obuchowicz E, Zieliński M. Neuropeptides as regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activity and their putative roles in stress-induced fertility disorders. Neuropeptides 2022; 91:102216. [PMID: 34974357 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides being regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, also affect the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by regulating gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from hypothalamic neurons. Here, we review the available data on how neuropeptides affect HPG axis activity directly or indirectly via their influence on the HPA axis. The putative role of neuropeptides in stress-induced infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, is also described. This review discusses both well-known neuropeptides (i.e., kisspeptin, Kp; oxytocin, OT; arginine-vasopressin, AVP) and more recently discovered peptides (i.e., relaxin-3, RLN-3; nesfatin-1, NEFA; phoenixin, PNX; spexin, SPX). For the first time, we present an up-to-date review of all published data regarding interactions between the aforementioned neuropeptide systems. The reviewed literature suggest new pathophysiological mechanisms leading to fertility disturbances that are induced by stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miłosz Gołyszny
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Ewa Obuchowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Michał Zieliński
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
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30
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Zhou S, Zang S, Hu Y, Shen Y, Li H, Chen W, Li P, Shen Y. Transcriptome-scale spatial gene expression in rat arcuate nucleus during puberty. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:8. [PMID: 35063020 PMCID: PMC8781439 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00745-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A variety of neurons in hypothalamus undergo a complicated regulation on transcription activity of multiple genes for hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis activation during pubertal development. Identification of puberty-associated cell composition and characterization of the unique transcriptional signatures across different cells are beneficial to isolation of specific neurons and advanced understanding of their functions. Methods The hypothalamus of female Sprague–Dawley rats in postnatal day-25, 35 and 45 were used to define the dynamic spatial atlas of gene expression in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) by 10× Genomics Visium platform. A surface protein expressed selectively by kisspeptin neurons was used to sort neurons by flow cytometric assay in vitro. The transcriptome of the isolated cells was examined using Smart sequencing. Results Four subclusters of neurons with similar gene expression signatures in ARC were identified. Only one subcluster showed the robust expression of Kiss1, which could be isolated by a unique membrane surface biomarker Solute carrier family 18 member A3 (SLC18A3). Moreover, genes in different subclusters presenting three expression modules distinctly functioned in each pubertal stage. Different types of cells representing distinct functions on glial or neuron differentiation, hormone secretion as well as estradiol response precisely affect and coordinate with each other, resulting in a complicated regulatory network for hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis initiation and modulation. Conclusion Our data revealed a comprehensive transcriptomic overview of ARC within different pubertal stages, which could serve as a valuable resource for the study of puberty and sexual development disorders. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00745-2.
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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: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [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.
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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
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Ogawa S, Parhar IS. Heterogeneity in GnRH and kisspeptin neurons and their significance in vertebrate reproductive biology. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100963. [PMID: 34798082 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate reproduction is essentially controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is a central dogma of reproductive biology. Two major hypothalamic neuroendocrine cell groups containing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and kisspeptin are crucial for control of the HPG axis in vertebrates. GnRH and kisspeptin neurons exhibit high levels of heterogeneity including their cellular morphology, biochemistry, neurophysiology and functions. However, the molecular foundation underlying heterogeneities in GnRH and kisspeptin neurons remains unknown. More importantly, the biological and physiological significance of their heterogeneity in reproductive biology is poorly understood. In this review, we first describe the recent advances in the neuroendocrine functions of kisspeptin-GnRH pathways. We then view the recent emerging progress in the heterogeneity of GnRH and kisspeptin neurons using morphological and single-cell transcriptomic analyses. Finally, we discuss our views on the significance of functional heterogeneity of reproductive endocrine cells and their potential relevance to reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Mills EG, Yang L, Abbara A, Dhillo WS, Comninos AN. Current Perspectives on Kisspeptins Role in Behaviour. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:928143. [PMID: 35757400 PMCID: PMC9225141 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.928143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide kisspeptin is now well-established as the master regulator of the mammalian reproductive axis. Beyond the hypothalamus, kisspeptin and its cognate receptor are also extensively distributed in extra-hypothalamic brain regions. An expanding pool of animal and human data demonstrates that kisspeptin sits within an extensive neuroanatomical and functional framework through which it can integrate a range of internal and external cues with appropriate neuroendocrine and behavioural responses. In keeping with this, recent studies reveal wide-reaching effects of kisspeptin on key behaviours such as olfactory-mediated partner preference, sexual motivation, copulatory behaviour, bonding, mood, and emotions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on the current animal and human literature highlighting the far-reaching behaviour and mood-altering roles of kisspeptin. A comprehensive understanding of this important area in kisspeptin biology is key to the escalating development of kisspeptin-based therapies for common reproductive and related psychological and psychosexual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G. Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Yang
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Waljit S. Dhillo, ; Alexander N. Comninos,
| | - Alexander N. Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Waljit S. Dhillo, ; Alexander N. Comninos,
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Extrahypothalamic Control of Energy Balance and Its Connection with Reproduction: Roles of the Amygdala. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11120837. [PMID: 34940594 PMCID: PMC8708157 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Body energy and metabolic homeostasis are exquisitely controlled by multiple, often overlapping regulatory mechanisms, which permit the tight adjustment between fuel reserves, internal needs, and environmental (e.g., nutritional) conditions. As such, this function is sensitive to and closely connected with other relevant bodily systems, including reproduction and gonadal function. The aim of this mini-review article is to summarize the most salient experimental data supporting a role of the amygdala as a key brain region for emotional learning and behavior, including reward processing, in the physiological control of feeding and energy balance. In particular, a major focus will be placed on the putative interplay between reproductive signals and amygdala pathways, as it pertains to the control of metabolism, as complementary, extrahypothalamic circuit for the integral control of energy balance and gonadal function.
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Mills EG, Yang L, Nielsen MF, Kassem M, Dhillo WS, Comninos AN. The Relationship Between Bone and Reproductive Hormones Beyond Estrogens and Androgens. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:691-719. [PMID: 33901271 PMCID: PMC8599211 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive hormones play a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of the mammalian skeleton. Indeed, the biological significance for this hormonal regulation of skeletal homeostasis is best illustrated by common clinical reproductive disorders, such as primary ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhea, congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and early menopause, which contribute to the clinical burden of low bone mineral density and increased risk for fragility fracture. Emerging evidence relating to traditional reproductive hormones and the recent discovery of newer reproductive neuropeptides and hormones has deepened our understanding of the interaction between bone and the reproductive system. In this review, we provide a contemporary summary of the literature examining the relationship between bone biology and reproductive signals that extend beyond estrogens and androgens, and include kisspeptin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, progesterone, inhibin, activin, and relaxin. A comprehensive and up-to-date review of the recent basic and clinical research advances is essential given the prevalence of clinical reproductive disorders, the emerging roles of upstream reproductive hormones in bone physiology, as well as the urgent need to develop novel safe and effective therapies for bone fragility in a rapidly aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G Mills
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Yang
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Morten F Nielsen
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Odense & institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Moustapha Kassem
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Odense & institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Endocrine Bone Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Tumurbaatar T, Kanasaki H, Tumurgan Z, Oride A, Okada H, Kyo S. Effect of anti-Müllerian hormone on the regulation of pituitary gonadotropin subunit expression: roles of kisspeptin and its receptors in gonadotroph LβT2 cells. Endocr J 2021; 68:1091-1100. [PMID: 33994401 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej21-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is primarily produced by ovarian granulosa cells and contributes to follicle development. AMH is also produced in other tissues, including the brain and pituitary; however, its roles in these tissues are not well understood. In this study, we examined the effect of AMH on pituitary gonadotrophs. We detected AMH and AMH receptor type 2 expression in LβT2 cells. In these cells, the expression of FSHβ- but not α- and LHβ-subunits increased significantly as the concentration of AMH increased. LβT2 cells expressed Kiss-1 and Kiss-1R. AMH stimulation resulted in decreases in both Kiss-1 and Kiss-1R. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of Kiss-1 in LβT2 cells did not alter the basal expression levels of α-, LHβ-, and FSHβ-subunits. In LβT2 cells overexpressing Kiss-1R, exogenous kisspeptin stimulation significantly increased the expression of all three gonadotropin subunits. However, kisspeptin-induced increases in these subunits were almost completely eliminated in the presence of AMH. In contrast, GnRH-induced increases in the three gonadotropin subunits were not modulated by AMH. Our observations suggested that AMH acts on pituitary gonadotrophs and induces FSHβ-subunit expression with concomitant decreases in Kiss-1 and Kiss-1R gene expression. Kisspeptin, but not GnRH-induced gonadotropin subunit expression, was inhibited by AMH, suggesting that it functions in association with the kisspeptin/Kiss-1R system in gonadotrophs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuvshintugs Tumurbaatar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Kanasaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Zolzaya Tumurgan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Aki Oride
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroe Okada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Satoru Kyo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
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Carrasco RA, Leonardi CE, Hutt K, Singh J, Adams GP. Kisspeptin induces LH release and ovulation in an induced ovulator†. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:49-59. [PMID: 32307518 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin has been implicated in the ovulatory process of several species of spontaneous ovulators but in only one induced ovulator. In contrast, NGF in semen is the principal trigger of ovulation in other species of induced ovulators-camelids. We tested the hypotheses that kisspeptin induces luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in llamas through a hypothalamic mechanism, and kisspeptin neurons are the target of NGF in its ovulation-inducing pathway. In Experiment 1, llamas were given either NGF, kisspeptin, or saline intravenously, and LH secretion and ovulation were compared among groups. All llamas treated with NGF (5/5) or kisspeptin (5/5) had an elevation of LH blood concentrations after treatment and ovulated, whereas none of the saline group did (0/5). In Experiment 2, llamas were either pretreated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist or saline and treated 2 h later with kisspeptin. Llamas pretreated with saline had elevated plasma LH concentrations and ovulated (6/6) whereas llamas pretreated with cetrorelix did not (0/6). In Experiment 3, we evaluated the hypothalamic kisspeptin-GnRH neuronal network by immunohistochemistry. Kisspeptin neurons were detected in the arcuate nucleus, the preoptic area, and the anterior hypothalamus, establishing synaptic contacts with GnRH neurons. We found no colocalization between kisspeptin and NGF receptors by double immunofluorescence. Functional and morphological findings support the concept that kisspeptin is a mediator of the LH secretory pathway in llamas; however, the role of kisspeptins in the NGF ovulation-inducing pathway in camelids remains unclear since NGF receptors were not detected in kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A Carrasco
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Carlos E Leonardi
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Kylie Hutt
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Jaswant Singh
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Gregg P Adams
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Arcuate and Preoptic Kisspeptin Neurons Exhibit Differential Projections to Hypothalamic Nuclei and Exert Opposite Postsynaptic Effects on Hypothalamic Paraventricular and Dorsomedial Nuclei in the Female Mouse. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0093-21.2021. [PMID: 34281980 PMCID: PMC8354717 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0093-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons provide indispensable excitatory input to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which is important for the coordinated release of gonadotropins, estrous cyclicity and ovulation. However, Kiss1 neurons also send projections to many other brain regions within and outside the hypothalamus. Two different populations of Kiss1 neurons, one in the arcuate nucleus (Kiss1ARH) and another in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and periventricular nucleus (PeN; Kiss1AVPV/PeN) of the hypothalamus are differentially regulated by ovarian steroids, and are believed to form direct contacts with GnRH neurons as well as other neurons. To investigate the projection fields from Kiss1AVPV/PeN and Kiss1ARH neurons in female mice, we used anterograde projection analysis, and channelrhodopsin-assisted circuit mapping (CRACM) to explore their functional input to select target neurons within the paraventricular (PVH) and dorsomedial (DMH) hypothalamus, key preautonomic nuclei. Cre-dependent viral (AAV1-DIO-ChR2 mCherry) vectors were injected into the brain to label the two Kiss1 neuronal populations. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) for mCherry and neuropeptides combined with confocal microscopy was used to determine the projection-fields of both Kiss1 neuronal groups. Whole-cell electrophysiology and optogenetics were used to elucidate the functional input to the PVH and DMH. Our analysis revealed many common but also several clearly separate projection fields between the two different populations of Kiss1 neurons. In addition, optogenetic stimulation of Kiss1 projections to PVH prodynorphin, Vglut2 and DMH CART-expressing neurons, revealed excitatory glutamatergic input from Kiss1ARH neurons and inhibitory GABAergic input from Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons. Therefore, these steroid-sensitive Kiss1 neuronal groups can differentially control the excitability of target neurons to coordinate autonomic functions with reproduction.
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Kanasaki H, Tumurbaatar T, Tumurgan Z, Oride A, Okada H, Kyo S. Mutual Interactions Between GnRH and Kisspeptin in GnRH- and Kiss-1-Expressing Immortalized Hypothalamic Cell Models. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3380-3389. [PMID: 34268716 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00695-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) are central regulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and control female reproductive functions. Recently established mHypoA-50 and mHypoA-55 cells are immortalized hypothalamic neuronal cell models that originated from the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) regions of the mouse hypothalamus, respectively. mHypoA-50 or mHypoA-55 cells were stimulated with kisspeptin-10 (KP10) and GnRH, after which the expression of kisspeptin and GnRH was determined. Primary cultures of fetal rat brain cells were also examined. mHypoA-50 and mHypoA-55 cells expressed mRNA for Kiss-1 (which encodes kisspeptin) and GnRH as well as receptors for kisspeptin and GnRH. We found that Kiss-1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in mHypoA-50 AVPV cells by KP10 and GnRH stimulation. Kisspeptin protein expression was also increased by KP10 and GnRH stimulation in these cells. In contrast, GnRH expression was unchanged in mHypoA-50 AVPV cells by KP10 and GnRH stimulation. In mHypoA-55 ARC cells, kisspeptin expression was also significantly increased at the mRNA and protein levels by KP10 and GnRH stimulation; however, GnRH expression was also upregulated by KP10 and GnRH stimulation in these cells. KP10 and estradiol (E2) both increased Kiss-1 gene expression in mHypoA-50 AVPV cells, but combined stimulation with KP10 and E2 did not potentiate their individual effects on Kiss-1 gene expression. On the other hand, E2 did not increase Kiss-1 gene expression in mHypoA-55 ARC cells, and the KP10-induced increase of Kiss-1 gene expression was inhibited in the presence of E2 in these cells. KP10 and GnRH significantly increased c-Fos protein expression in the mHypoA-50 AVPV and mHypoA-55 ARC cell lines. In primary cultures of fetal rat neuronal cells, KP10 significantly increased Kiss-1 gene expression, whereas GnRH significantly increased GnRH gene expression. We found that kisspeptin and GnRH affected Kiss-1- and GnRH-expressing hypothalamic cells and modulated Kiss-1 and/or GnRH gene expression with a concomitant increase in c-Fos protein expression. A mutual- or self-regulatory system might be present in Kiss-1 and/or GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiko Kanasaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Tuvshintugs Tumurbaatar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Zolzaya Tumurgan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Aki Oride
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroe Okada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Satoru Kyo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
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Wilheim T, Nagy K, Mohanraj M, Ziarniak K, Watanabe M, Sliwowska J, Kalló I. Expression of type one cannabinoid receptor in different subpopulation of kisspeptin neurons and kisspeptin afferents to GnRH neurons in female mice. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:2387-2399. [PMID: 34263407 PMCID: PMC8354884 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02339-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoids have been shown to target the afferents of hypothalamic neurons via cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1) and thereby to influence their excitability at various physiological and/or pathological processes. Kisspeptin (KP) neurons form afferents of multiple neuroendocrine cells and influence their activity via signaling through a variation of co-expressed classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. The differential potency of endocannabinoids to influence the release of classical transmitters or neuropeptides, and the ovarian cycle-dependent functioning of the endocannabinoid signaling in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons initiated us to study whether (a) the different subpopulations of KP neurons express CB1 mRNAs, (b) the expression is influenced by estrogen, and (c) CB1-immunoreactivity is present in the KP afferents to GnRH neurons. The aim of the study was to investigate the site- and cell-specific expression of CB1 in female mice using multiple labeling in situ hybridization and immunofluorescent histochemical techniques. The results support that CB1 mRNAs are expressed by both the GABAergic and glutamatergic subpopulations of KP neurons, the receptor protein is detectable in two-thirds of the KP afferents to GnRH neurons, and the expression of CB1 mRNA shows an estrogen-dependency. The applied estrogen-treatment, known to induce proestrus, reduced the level of CB1 transcripts in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle and arcuate nucleus, and differently influenced its co-localization with vesicular GABA transporter or vesicular glutamate transporter-2 in KP neurons. This indicates a gonadal cycle-dependent role of endocannabinoid signaling in the neuronal circuits involving KP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Wilheim
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, P.O. Box 67, Budapest, 1450, Hungary
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Nagy
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, P.O. Box 67, Budapest, 1450, Hungary
| | - Mahendravarman Mohanraj
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, P.O. Box 67, Budapest, 1450, Hungary
| | - Kamil Ziarniak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Joanna Sliwowska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Imre Kalló
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, P.O. Box 67, Budapest, 1450, Hungary.
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Neurosciences "János Szentágothai", Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Clinical Potential of Kisspeptin in Reproductive Health. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:807-823. [PMID: 34210598 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptins are a family of hypothalamic neuropeptides that are essential for the regulation of reproductive physiology. Their importance in reproductive health became apparent in 2003, when loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding the kisspeptin receptor were reported to result in isolated congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). It has since been ascertained that hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion to thus stimulate the remainder of the reproductive endocrine axis. In this review, we discuss genetic variants that affect kisspeptin receptor signaling, summarize data on KISS1R agonists, and posit possible clinical uses of native and synthetic kisspeptin receptor agonists for the investigation and treatment of reproductive disorders.
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Mills EG, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Abbara A, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. Functions of galanin, spexin and kisspeptin in metabolism, mood and behaviour. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:97-113. [PMID: 33273729 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-00438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The bioactive peptides galanin, spexin and kisspeptin have a common ancestral origin and their pathophysiological roles are increasingly the subject of investigation. Evidence suggests that these bioactive peptides play a role in the regulation of metabolism, pancreatic β-cell function, energy homeostasis, mood and behaviour in several species, including zebrafish, rodents and humans. Galanin signalling suppresses insulin secretion in animal models (but not in humans), is potently obesogenic and plays putative roles governing certain evolutionary behaviours and mood modulation. Spexin decreases insulin secretion and has potent anorectic, analgesic, anxiolytic and antidepressive-like effects in animal models. Kisspeptin modulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, food intake and/or energy expenditure in animal models and humans. Furthermore, kisspeptin is implicated in the control of reproductive behaviour in animals, modulation of human sexual and emotional brain processing, and has antidepressive and fear-suppressing effects. In addition, galanin-like peptide is a further member of the galaninergic family that plays emerging key roles in metabolism and behaviour. Therapeutic interventions targeting galanin, spexin and/or kisspeptin signalling pathways could therefore contribute to the treatment of conditions ranging from obesity to mood disorders. However, many gaps and controversies exist, which must be addressed before the therapeutic potential of these bioactive peptides can be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Ibos KE, Bodnár É, Bagosi Z, Bozsó Z, Tóth G, Szabó G, Csabafi K. Kisspeptin-8 Induces Anxiety-Like Behavior and Hypolocomotion by Activating the HPA Axis and Increasing GABA Release in the Nucleus Accumbens in Rats. Biomedicines 2021; 9:112. [PMID: 33503835 PMCID: PMC7911394 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins (Kp) are RF-amide neuropeptide regulators of the reproductive axis that also influence anxiety, locomotion, and metabolism. We aimed to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular Kp-8 (an N-terminally truncated octapeptide) treatment in Wistar rats. Elevated plus maze (EPM), computerized open field (OF), and marble burying (MB) tests were performed for the assessment of behavior. Serum LH and corticosterone levels were determined to assess kisspeptin1 receptor (Kiss1r) activation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) stimulation, respectively. GABA release from the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dopamine release from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and NAc were measured via ex vivo superfusion. Kp-8 decreased open arm time and entries in EPM, and also raised corticosterone concentration, pointing to an anxiogenic effect. Moreover, the decrease in arm entries in EPM, the delayed increase in immobility accompanied by reduced ambulatory activity in OF, and the reduction in interactions with marbles show that Kp-8 suppressed exploratory and spontaneous locomotion. The increase in GABA release from the NAc might be in the background of hypolocomotion by inhibiting the VTA-NAc dopaminergic circuitry. As Kp-8 raised LH concentration, it could activate Kiss1r and stimulate the reproductive axis. As Kiss1r is associated with hyperlocomotion, it is more likely that neuropeptide FF receptor activation is involved in the suppression of locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Eszter Ibos
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (É.B.); (Z.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Éva Bodnár
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (É.B.); (Z.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Zsolt Bagosi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (É.B.); (Z.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Zsolt Bozsó
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Gábor Tóth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Gyula Szabó
- Office of International Affairs, Budapest Campus, McDaniel College, H-1071 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Krisztina Csabafi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (É.B.); (Z.B.); (K.C.)
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Rumpler É, Skrapits K, Takács S, Göcz B, Trinh SH, Rácz G, Matolcsy A, Kozma Z, Ciofi P, Dhillo WS, Hrabovszky E. Characterization of Kisspeptin Neurons in the Human Rostral Hypothalamus. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:249-262. [PMID: 32299085 DOI: 10.1159/000507891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptin (KP) neurons in the rostral periventricular region of the 3rd ventricle (RP3V) of female rodents mediate positive estrogen feedback to gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and, thus, play a fundamental role in the mid-cycle luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The RP3V is sexually dimorphic, and male rodents with lower KP cell numbers are unable to mount estrogen-induced LH surges. OBJECTIVE To find and characterize the homologous KP neurons in the human brain, we studied formalin-fixed post-mortem hypothalami. METHODS Immunohistochemical techniques were used. RESULTS The distribution of KP neurons in the rostral hypothalamus overlapped with distinct subdivisions of the paraventricular nucleus. The cell numbers decreased after menopause, indicating that estrogens positively regulate KP gene expression in the rostral hypothalamus in humans, similarly to several other species. Young adult women and men had similar cell numbers, as opposed to rodents reported to have more KP neurons in the RP3V of females. Human KP neurons differed from the homologous rodent cells as well, in that they were devoid of enkephalins, galanin and tyrosine hydroxylase. Further, they did not contain known KP neuron markers of the human infundibular nucleus, neurokinin B, substance P and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, while they received afferent input from these KP neurons. CONCLUSIONS The identification and positive estrogenic regulation of KP neurons in the human rostral hypothalamus challenge the long-held view that positive estrogen feedback may be restricted to the mediobasal part of the hypothalamus in primates and point to the need of further anatomical, molecular and functional studies of rostral hypothalamic KP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Rumpler
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Takács
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Göcz
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sarolta H Trinh
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Rácz
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Matolcsy
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Kozma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary,
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Hrabovszky E, Takács S, Rumpler É, Skrapits K. The human hypothalamic kisspeptin system: Functional neuroanatomy and clinical perspectives. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 180:275-296. [PMID: 34225935 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820107-7.00017-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, kisspeptin neurons are the key components of the hypothalamic neuronal networks that regulate the onset of puberty, account for the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and mediate negative and positive estrogen feedback signals to GnRH neurons. Being directly connected anatomically and functionally to the hypophysiotropic GnRH system, the major kisspeptin cell groups of the preoptic area/rostral hypothalamus and the arcuate (or infundibular) nucleus, respectively, are ideally positioned to serve as key nodes which integrate various types of environmental, endocrine, and metabolic signals that can influence fertility. This chapter provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on the anatomy, functions, and plasticity of brain kisspeptin systems based on the wide literature available from different laboratory and domestic species. Then, the species-specific features of human hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are described, covering their topography, morphology, unique neuropeptide content, plasticity, and connectivity to hypophysiotropic GnRH neurons. Some newly emerging roles of central kisspeptin signaling in behavior and finally, clinical perspectives, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Szabolcs Takács
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Rumpler
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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Coen CW, Bennett NC, Holmes MM, Faulkes CG. Neuropeptidergic and Neuroendocrine Systems Underlying Eusociality and the Concomitant Social Regulation of Reproduction in Naked Mole-Rats: A Comparative Approach. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1319:59-103. [PMID: 34424513 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65943-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The African mole-rat family (Bathyergidae) includes the first mammalian species identified as eusocial: naked mole-rats. Comparative studies of eusocial and solitary mole-rat species have identified differences in neuropeptidergic systems that may underlie the phenomenon of eusociality. These differences are found in the oxytocin, vasopressin and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) systems within the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and lateral septal nucleus. As a corollary of their eusociality, most naked mole-rats remain pre-pubertal throughout life because of the presence of the colony's only reproductive female, the queen. To elucidate the neuroendocrine mechanisms that mediate this social regulation of reproduction, research on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in naked mole-rats has identified differences between the many individuals that are reproductively suppressed and the few that are reproductively mature: the queen and her male consorts. These differences involve gonadal steroids, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1), kisspeptin, gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone/RFamide-related peptide-3 (GnIH/RFRP-3) and prolactin. The comparative findings in eusocial and solitary mole-rat species are assessed with reference to a broad range of studies on other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive W Coen
- Reproductive Neurobiology, Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Melissa M Holmes
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.,Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher G Faulkes
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Watanabe Y, Ikegami K, Nakamura S, Uenoyama Y, Ozawa H, Maeda KI, Tsukamura H, Inoue N. Mating-induced increase in Kiss1 mRNA expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus prior to an increase in LH and testosterone release in male rats. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:579-586. [PMID: 32968033 PMCID: PMC7768167 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin has an indispensable role in gonadotropin-releasing hormone/gonadotropin secretion in mammals. In rodents, kisspeptin neurons are located in distinct brain regions, namely the anteroventral periventricular nucleus-periventricular nucleus continuum (AVPV/PeN), arcuate nucleus (ARC), and medial amygdala (MeA). Among them, the physiological role of AVPV/PeN kisspeptin neurons in males has not been clarified yet. The present study aims to investigate the acute effects of the olfactory and/or mating stimulus with a female rat on hypothalamic and MeA Kiss1 mRNA expression, plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels in male rats. Intact male rats were exposed to the following stimuli: exposure to clean bedding; exposure to female-soiled bedding as a female-olfactory stimulus; exposure to female-soiled bedding and mating stimulus with a female rat. The mating stimulus significantly increased the number of the AVPV/PeN Kiss1 mRNA-expressing cells in males within 5 minutes after the exposure, and significantly increased LH and testosterone levels, followed by an increase in male sexual behavior. Whereas, the males exposed to female-soiled bedding showed a moderate increase in LH levels and no significant change in testosterone levels and the number of the AVPV/PeN Kiss1 mRNA-expressing cells. Importantly, none of the stimuli affected the number of Kiss1 mRNA-expressing cells in the ARC and MeA. These results suggest that the mating-induced increase in AVPV/PeN Kiss1 mRNA expression may be, at least partly, involved in stimulating LH and testosterone release, and might consequently ensure male mating behavior. This study would be the first report suggesting that the AVPV/PeN kisspeptin neurons in males may play a physiological role in ensuring male reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youki Watanabe
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo113-0031, Japan
| | - Kana Ikegami
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Sho Nakamura
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ozawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo113-0031, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
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Beltramo M, Robert V, Decourt C. The kisspeptin system in domestic animals: what we know and what we still need to understand of its role in reproduction. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 73:106466. [PMID: 32247617 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of the kisspeptin (Kp) system stirred a burst of research in the field of reproductive neuroendocrinology. In the last 15 yr, the organization and activity of the system, including its neuroanatomical structure, its major physiological functions, and its main pharmacological properties, were outlined. To this endeavor, the use of genetic tools to delete and to restore Kp system functionality in a specific tissue was essential. At present, there is no question as to the key role of the Kp system in mammalian reproduction. However, easily applicable genetic manipulations are unavailable for domestic animals. Hence, many essential details on the physiological mechanisms underlying its action on domestic animals require further investigation. The potentially different effects of the various Kp isoforms, the precise anatomical localization of the Kp receptor, and the respective role played by the 2 main populations of Kp cells in different species are only few of the questions that remain unanswered and that will be illustrated in this review. Furthermore, the application of synthetic pharmacologic tools to manipulate the Kp system is still in its infancy but has produced some interesting results, suggesting the possibility of developing new methods to manage reproduction in domestic animals. In spite of a decade and a half of intense research effort, much work is still required to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the influence of the Kp system on reproduction. Furthermore, Kp system ramifications in other physiological functions are emerging and open new research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Beltramo
- INRAE (CNRS, UMR7247, Université de Tours, IFCE), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - V Robert
- INRAE (CNRS, UMR7247, Université de Tours, IFCE), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - C Decourt
- INRAE (CNRS, UMR7247, Université de Tours, IFCE), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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Aylwin CF, Lomniczi A. Sirtuin (SIRT)-1: At the crossroads of puberty and metabolism. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2020; 14:65-72. [PMID: 32905232 PMCID: PMC7467505 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus reside two neuronal systems in charge of regulating feeding control and reproductive development. The melanocortin system responds to metabolic fluctuations adjusting food intake, whereas kisspeptin neurons are in charge of the excitatory control of Gonadotropin Hormone Releasing Hormone (GnRH) neurons. While it is known that the melanocortin system regulates GnRH neuronal activity, it was recently demonstrated that kisspeptin neurons not only innervate melanocortin neurons, but also play an active role in the control of metabolism. These two neuronal systems are intricately interconnected forming loops of stimulation and inhibition according to metabolic status. Furthermore, intracellular and epigenetic pathways respond to external environmental signals by changing DNA conformation and gene expression. Here we review the role of Silent mating type Information Regulation 2 homologue 1 (Sirt1), a class III NAD+ dependent protein deacetylase, in the ARC control of pubertal development and feeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos F Aylwin
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, OHSU, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Alejandro Lomniczi
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, OHSU, Beaverton, OR, USA
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Schmidt S. Bisphenol A and Puberty Onset in Female Mice: Developmental Effects of Low-Dose Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:84001. [PMID: 32779936 PMCID: PMC7418653 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
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