Kisspeptin and the G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) are highly abundant in the pancreas. In addition, circulating kisspeptin directly influences insulin secretion through GPR54. However, the mechanisms by which kisspeptin affects insulin release are unclear. The LIM-homeodomain transcription factor, Isl-1, is expressed in all pancreatic islet cells and is involved in regulating both islet ...

Kisspeptins are a family of neuropeptides that are critical for initiating puberty and regulating ovulation in sexually mature females via the central control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Recent studies have shown that kisspeptin and its receptor kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) are expressed in the mammalian ovary. Convincing evidence indicates that kisspeptins can activate a wide v...

Objective: This study aims to explore the effects of light stress on the expression of Kisspeptin/GnRH in rat hypothalamus. Methods: The rat model of chronic stress was established through artificial illumination time. The rats were divided into control group, continuous light group, interval light group and reverse day and night group randomly. The expression levels of Kisspeptin and GnRH in r...

STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between exposure to phthalates and the timing of female puberty? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study suggests that the early onset of puberty is related to increased kisspeptin secretion. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Girls are maturing earlier than in past decades and the quantity of phthalates used in consumer products has concurrently risen. The hypothesis that exposu...

Kisspeptin (previously known as metastin) is a protein encoded by the KISS-1 gene in humans. Kisspeptin producing neurons seem to bridge the gap between the sex steroid levels and feedback mechanisms that control the gonadotropin releasing hormone secretion. Since 2003, there are many studies on the facets of neuroendocrine networks that control puberty and fertility. These have explored the ro...

Atlantic salmon exhibit seasonal reproduction. However, the mechanisms governing this are still unclear. Generally speaking, kisspeptin has been recognized as a regulator of reproduction. Here, we report a relationship between kisspeptin, GnRH and photoperiod in Atlantic salmon. The results demonstrated that the expression of the Atlantic salmon kisspeptin-receptor (skissr) was not always consi...

Kisspeptin (product of the kiss1 gene) is the most potent known activator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. Both kiss1 and the kisspeptin receptor are highly expressed in the hypothalamus of vertebrates, and low doses of kisspeptin have a robust and long-lasting stimulatory effect on the rate of action potential firing of hypophysiotropic gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH1) neuron...

Trophoblast migration and invasion during pregnancy are under strict physiological control, both temporally and spatially. The trophoblast’s ability to invade the endometrium is regulated by the dynamic interaction between invasion-related genes. Once this dynamic balance is broken, the trophoblast exhibits abnormal invasion ability, often resulting in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Kiss...

Kisspeptin is the most potent stimulator of LH release. There are two kisspeptin neuronal populations in the rodent brain: in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and in the arcuate nucleus. The arcuate neurons coexpress kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin and are called KNDy neurons. Because estradiol increases kisspeptin expression in the AVPV whereas it inhibits KNDy neurons,...

corporating the mechanisms by which KNDy neuropeptides modulate the reproductive axis (see [1] and the cover of this issue). The second article, by Goodman et al. [2] , reviews the roles of kisspeptin, NKB and Dyn in GnRH pulse generation as gathered from a comprehensive series of excellent studies in sheep from their laboratory as well as from equally detailed and incisive experiments in goats...