Electrical properties of kisspeptin neurons and their regulation of GnRH neurons

Kisspeptin neurons are critical components of the neuronal network controlling the activity of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. A variety of genetically-manipulated mouse models have recently facilitated the study of the electrical activity of the two principal kisspeptin neuron populations located in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V) and arcuate nucleus (ARN) in acute brain slices. We discuss here the mechanisms and pathways through which kisspeptin neurons regulate GnRH neuron activity. We then examine the different kisspeptin-green fluorescent protein mouse models being used for kisspeptin electrophysiology and the data obtained to date for RP3V and ARN kisspeptin neurons. In light of these new observations on the spontaneous firing rates, intrinsic membrane properties, and neurotransmitter regulation of kisspeptin neurons, we speculate on the physiological roles of the different kisspeptin populations.

Neurokinin B activates arcuate kisspeptin neurons through multiple tachykinin receptors in the male mouse

Kisspeptin neurons located in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) coexpress dynorphin and neurokinin B (NKB) and may interact to influence gonadotropin secretion. Using a kisspeptin-green fluorescent protein mouse model, the present study examined whether the neuropeptides kisspeptin, dynorphin, and NKB modulate the electrical activity of ARN kisspeptin neurons in the adult male mouse. Cell-attached recordings showed that kisspeptin itself had no effect on kisspeptin neuron firing. Dynorphin and the κ-opioid receptor agonist U50-488 evoked a potent suppression of all ARN kisspeptin neuron firing that was blocked completely by the κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-Binaltorphimine. Both NKB and Senktide, a neurokinin 3 receptor agonist, exerted a potent stimulatory action on ∼95% of ARN kisspeptin neurons. Although the selective neurokinin 3 receptor antagonists SB222200 and SR142801 blocked the effects of Senktide on kisspeptin neurons, they surprisingly had no effect on NKB activation of firing. Studies with selective neurokinin 1 receptor (SDZ-NKT343) and neurokinin 2 receptor (GR94800) antagonists revealed that the activation of kisspeptin neurons by NKB was only blocked completely by a cocktail of antagonists against all 3 tachykinin receptors. Whole-cell recordings revealed that individual kisspeptin neurons were activated directly by all 3 tachykinins substance, P, neurokinin A, and NKB. These experiments show that dynorphin and NKB have opposing actions on the electrical activity of kisspeptin neurons supporting the existence of an interconnected network of kisspeptin neurons in the ARN. However, the effects of NKB result from an unexpected activation of multiple tachykinin receptors.

Spontaneous kisspeptin neuron firing in the adult mouse reveals marked sex and brain region differences but no support for a direct role in negative feedback

Kisspeptin-Gpr54 signaling is critical for the GnRH neuronal network controlling fertility. The present study reports on a kisspeptin (Kiss)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) mouse model enabling brain slice electrophysiological recordings to be made from Kiss neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) and rostral periventricular region of the third ventricle (RP3V). Using dual immunofluorescence, approximately 90% of GFP cells in the RP3V of females, and ARN in both sexes, are shown to be authentic Kiss-synthesizing neurons in adult mice. Cell-attached recordings of ARN Kiss-GFP cells revealed a marked sex difference in their mean firing rates; 90% of Kiss-GFP cells in males exhibited slow irregular firing (0.17 ± 0.04 Hz) whereas neurons from diestrous (0.01 ± 0.01 Hz) and ovariectomized (0 Hz) mice were mostly or completely silent. In contrast, RP3V Kiss-GFP cells were all spontaneously active, exhibiting tonic, irregular, and bursting firing patterns. Mean firing rates were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in diestrus (2.1 ± 0.3 Hz) compared with ovariectomized (1.0 ± 0.2 Hz) mice without any changes in firing pattern. Recordings from RP3V Kiss-GFP neurons at the time of the proestrous GnRH surge revealed a significant decline in firing rate after the surge. Together, these observations demonstrate unexpected sex differences in the electrical activity of ARN Kiss neurons and markedly different patterns of firing by Kiss neurons in the ARN and RP3V. Although data supported a positive influence of gonadal steroids on RP3V Kiss neuron firing, no direct evidence was found to support the previously postulated role of ARN Kiss neurons in the estrogen-negative feedback mechanism.