Kisspeptin-1

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Stephen R Bloom - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Kisspeptin is released from human prostate cancer cell lines but plasma kisspeptin is not elevated in patients with prostate cancer.
    Oncology Reports, 2010
    Co-Authors: Annette E. Curtis, Gavin A Bewick, Owais B. Chaudhri, Radha Ramachandran, Anna-mary Young, Gurjinder Nijher, Jonathan Waxman, Mohammad A. Ghatei, Kevin Murphy, Stephen R Bloom
    Abstract:

    Kisspeptin, the product of the KiSS-1 gene, inhibits metastasis and stimulates the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. Kisspeptin is therefore a putative target in the treatment of hormone-sensitive malignancies. Prostatic carcinoma remains a significant cause of mortality despite improvements in therapy. The role of kisspeptin in prostatic carcinoma remains undefined. We therefore aimed to investigate release of kisspeptin by prostatic cancer cell lines; investigate expression of KiSS-1 in human prostate tissue; investigate whether patients with prostate carcinoma have elevated plasma kisspeptin. 1) Culture medium from prostatic carcinoma cell lines LNCaP, DU145 and PC3 was assayed for kisspeptin immunoreactivity (-IR). Kisspeptin-IR release was detectable from all three cell lines. The effect of hydroxyflutamide, gefitinib and resveratrol on kisspeptin-IR release from these cell lines was also investigated. No effect of the drugs tested on release of kisspeptin-IR was observed. 2) Expression of KiSS-1 in human prostate tissue (n=4) was investigated using in situ hybridisation. Expression of KiSS-1 was detected in human prostate tissue. 3) Plasma kisspeptin-IR was compared in 92 patients with prostatic carcinoma and 73 male controls. Kisspeptin-IR was not detected in the plasma of either patients with prostate cancer or control patients. We have therefore shown for the first time the release of kisspeptin-IR by prostatic carcinoma cell lines. We have also shown that KiSS-1 is expressed in human prostate tissue, and that circulating levels of kisspeptin-IR are not elevated in patients with prostatic carcinoma. Further work is required to determine the role of kisspeptin in the prostate.

  • A Kisspeptin-10 analog with greater in vivo bioactivity than Kisspeptin-10
    American Journal of Physiology-endocrinology and Metabolism, 2009
    Co-Authors: Annette E. Curtis, Jennifer H. Cooke, Jordan E. Baxter, James Richard C. Parkinson, A. Bataveljic, Mohammad A. Ghatei, Stephen R Bloom, Kevin Murphy
    Abstract:

    The kisspeptins are neuropeptides that stimulate the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The smallest endogenous kisspeptin, Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10), binds to the receptor KISS1R with a similar...

  • an increase in kisspeptin 54 release occurs with the pubertal increase in luteinizing hormone releasing hormone 1 release in the stalk median eminence of female rhesus monkeys in vivo
    Endocrinology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Kim L Keen, Frederick H Wegner, Stephen R Bloom, Ei Terasawa
    Abstract:

    The G-protein coupled receptor GPR54 and its ligand, KiSS-1-derived peptide kisspeptin-54, appear to play an important role in the mechanism of puberty. This study measures the release of kisspeptin-54 in the stalk-median eminence (S-ME) during puberty and examines its potential role in the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release in female rhesus monkeys. First, developmental changes in release of kisspeptin-54 and LHRH-1 were assessed in push-pull perfusate samples obtained from the S-ME of prepubertal, early pubertal, and midpubertal female rhesus monkeys. Whereas LHRH-1 levels in 10-min intervals had been measured previously for other experiments, kisspeptin-54 levels in 40-min pooled samples were newly measured by RIA. The results indicate that a significant increase in kisspeptin-54 release occurred in association with the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release and that a nocturnal increase in kisspeptin-54 release was already observed in prepubertal monkeys and continued through the pubertal period. Second, we measured kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME of midpubertal monkeys at 10-min intervals using a microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME was clearly pulsatile with an interpulse interval of about 60 min, and approximately 75% of kisspeptin-54 pulses were correlated with LHRH-1 pulses. Finally, the effect of Kisspeptin-10 on LHRH-1 release was examined with the microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-10 infusion through a microdialysis probe significantly stimulated LHRH-1 release in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that kisspeptin plays a role in puberty.

  • an increase in kisspeptin 54 release occurs with the pubertal increase in luteinizing hormone releasing hormone 1 release in the stalk median eminence of female rhesus monkeys in vivo
    Endocrinology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Kim L Keen, Frederick H Wegner, Mohammad A. Ghatei, Stephen R Bloom, Ei Terasawa
    Abstract:

    The G-protein coupled receptor GPR54 and its ligand, KiSS-1-derived peptide kisspeptin-54, appear to play an important role in the mechanism of puberty. This study measures the release of kisspeptin-54 in the stalk-median eminence (S-ME) during puberty and examines its potential role in the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release in female rhesus monkeys. First, developmental changes in release of kisspeptin-54 and LHRH-1 were assessed in push-pull perfusate samples obtained from the S-ME of prepubertal, early pubertal, and midpubertal female rhesus monkeys. Whereas LHRH-1 levels in 10-min intervals had been measured previously for other experiments, kisspeptin-54 levels in 40-min pooled samples were newly measured by RIA. The results indicate that a significant increase in kisspeptin-54 release occurred in association with the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release and that a nocturnal increase in kisspeptin-54 release was already observed in prepubertal monkeys and continued through the pubertal period. Second, we measured kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME of midpubertal monkeys at 10-min intervals using a microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME was clearly pulsatile with an interpulse interval of about 60 min, and approximately 75% of kisspeptin-54 pulses were correlated with LHRH-1 pulses. Finally, the effect of Kisspeptin-10 on LHRH-1 release was examined with the microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-10 infusion through a microdialysis probe significantly stimulated LHRH-1 release in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that kisspeptin plays a role in puberty.

  • Kisspeptins and the control of gonadotropin secretion in humans
    Peptides, 2008
    Co-Authors: Channa N. Jayasena, Waljit S Dhillo, Stephen R Bloom
    Abstract:

    Abstract The kisspeptin hormones are a family of peptides encoded by the KiSS-1 gene, which bind to the G-protein coupled receptor-54 (GPR54). Interactions between kisspeptin and GPR54 are thought to play a critical role in reproduction. In agreement with animal data, kisspeptin-54 administration acutely stimulates the release of gonadotrophins in both male and female healthy subjects, with no observed adverse effects. Furthermore, its potency is comparable to those of other gonadotrophin secretagogues studied. The kisspeptin-GPR54 system thus offers a novel means of therapeutically manipulating the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in humans. This article aims to provide a focused review of the experimental data which inform us how kisspeptin influences the HPG axis in humans.

Ei Terasawa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • kisspeptin and neurokinin b signaling network underlies the pubertal increase in gnrh release in female rhesus monkeys
    Endocrinology, 2017
    Co-Authors: James P Garcia, Kathryn A Guerriero, Stephanie B Seminara, Brian P Kenealy, Kim L Keen, Ei Terasawa
    Abstract:

    Loss-of-function or inactivating mutations in the genes coding for kisspeptin and its receptor (KISS1R) or neurokinin B (NKB) and the NKB receptor (NK3R) in humans result in a delay in or the absence of puberty. However, precise mechanisms of kisspeptin and NKB signaling in the regulation of the pubertal increase in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release in primates are unknown. In this study, we conducted a series of experiments infusing agonists and antagonists of kisspeptin and NKB into the stalk-median eminence, where GnRH, kisspeptin, and NKB neuroterminal fibers are concentrated, and measuring GnRH release in prepubertal and pubertal female rhesus monkeys. Results indicate that (1) similar to those previously reported for GnRH stimulation by the KISS1R agonist (i.e., human Kisspeptin-10), the NK3R agonist senktide stimulated GnRH release in a dose-responsive manner in both prepubertal and pubertal monkeys; (2) the senktide-induced GnRH release was blocked in the presence of the KISS1R antagonist peptide 234 in pubertal but not prepubertal monkeys; and (3) the kisspeptin-induced GnRH release was blocked in the presence of the NK3R antagonist SB222200 in the pubertal but not prepubertal monkeys. These results are interpreted to mean that although, in prepubertal female monkeys, kisspeptin and NKB signaling to GnRH release is independent, in pubertal female monkeys, a reciprocal signaling mechanism between kisspeptin and NKB neurons is established. We speculate that this cooperative mechanism by the kisspeptin and NKB network underlies the pubertal increase in GnRH release in female monkeys.

  • an increase in kisspeptin 54 release occurs with the pubertal increase in luteinizing hormone releasing hormone 1 release in the stalk median eminence of female rhesus monkeys in vivo
    Endocrinology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Kim L Keen, Frederick H Wegner, Stephen R Bloom, Ei Terasawa
    Abstract:

    The G-protein coupled receptor GPR54 and its ligand, KiSS-1-derived peptide kisspeptin-54, appear to play an important role in the mechanism of puberty. This study measures the release of kisspeptin-54 in the stalk-median eminence (S-ME) during puberty and examines its potential role in the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release in female rhesus monkeys. First, developmental changes in release of kisspeptin-54 and LHRH-1 were assessed in push-pull perfusate samples obtained from the S-ME of prepubertal, early pubertal, and midpubertal female rhesus monkeys. Whereas LHRH-1 levels in 10-min intervals had been measured previously for other experiments, kisspeptin-54 levels in 40-min pooled samples were newly measured by RIA. The results indicate that a significant increase in kisspeptin-54 release occurred in association with the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release and that a nocturnal increase in kisspeptin-54 release was already observed in prepubertal monkeys and continued through the pubertal period. Second, we measured kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME of midpubertal monkeys at 10-min intervals using a microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME was clearly pulsatile with an interpulse interval of about 60 min, and approximately 75% of kisspeptin-54 pulses were correlated with LHRH-1 pulses. Finally, the effect of Kisspeptin-10 on LHRH-1 release was examined with the microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-10 infusion through a microdialysis probe significantly stimulated LHRH-1 release in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that kisspeptin plays a role in puberty.

  • an increase in kisspeptin 54 release occurs with the pubertal increase in luteinizing hormone releasing hormone 1 release in the stalk median eminence of female rhesus monkeys in vivo
    Endocrinology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Kim L Keen, Frederick H Wegner, Mohammad A. Ghatei, Stephen R Bloom, Ei Terasawa
    Abstract:

    The G-protein coupled receptor GPR54 and its ligand, KiSS-1-derived peptide kisspeptin-54, appear to play an important role in the mechanism of puberty. This study measures the release of kisspeptin-54 in the stalk-median eminence (S-ME) during puberty and examines its potential role in the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release in female rhesus monkeys. First, developmental changes in release of kisspeptin-54 and LHRH-1 were assessed in push-pull perfusate samples obtained from the S-ME of prepubertal, early pubertal, and midpubertal female rhesus monkeys. Whereas LHRH-1 levels in 10-min intervals had been measured previously for other experiments, kisspeptin-54 levels in 40-min pooled samples were newly measured by RIA. The results indicate that a significant increase in kisspeptin-54 release occurred in association with the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release and that a nocturnal increase in kisspeptin-54 release was already observed in prepubertal monkeys and continued through the pubertal period. Second, we measured kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME of midpubertal monkeys at 10-min intervals using a microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME was clearly pulsatile with an interpulse interval of about 60 min, and approximately 75% of kisspeptin-54 pulses were correlated with LHRH-1 pulses. Finally, the effect of Kisspeptin-10 on LHRH-1 release was examined with the microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-10 infusion through a microdialysis probe significantly stimulated LHRH-1 release in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that kisspeptin plays a role in puberty.

Mohammad A. Ghatei - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the kisspeptin system of the human hypothalamus sexual dimorphism and relationship with gonadotropin releasing hormone and neurokinin b neurons
    European Journal of Neuroscience, 2010
    Co-Authors: Erik Hrabovszky, Philippe Ciofi, Barbara Vida, Alain Caraty, Waljit S Dhillo, Eva Keller, Mohammad A. Ghatei, S.r. Bloom, M. Horváth, Zsolt Liposits
    Abstract:

    Kisspeptin signaling via the kisspeptin receptor G-protein-coupled receptor-54 plays a fundamental role in the onset of puberty and the regulation of mammalian reproduction. In this immunocytochemical study we addressed the (i) topography, (ii) sexual dimorphism, (iii) relationship to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and (iv) neurokinin B content of kisspeptin-immunoreactive hypothalamic neurons in human autopsy samples. In females, kisspeptin-immunoreactive axons formed a dense periventricular plexus and profusely innervated capillary vessels in the infundibular stalk. Most immunolabeled somata occurred in the infundibular nucleus. Many cells were also embedded in the periventricular fiber plexus. Rostrally, they formed a prominent periventricular cell mass (magnocellular paraventricular nucleus). Robust sex differences were noticed in that fibers and somata were significantly less numerous in male individuals. In dual-immunolabeled specimens, fine kisspeptin-immunoreactive axon varicosities formed axo-somatic, axo-dendritic and axo-axonal contacts with GnRH neurons. Dual-immunofluorescent studies established that 77% of kisspeptin-immunoreactive cells in the infundibular nucleus synthesize the tachykinin peptide neurokinin B, which is known to play crucial role in human fertility; 56 and 17% of kisspeptin fibers in the infundibular and periventricular nuclei, respectively, contained neurokinin B immunoreactivity. Site-specific co-localization patterns implied that kisspeptin neurons in the infundibular nucleus and elsewhere contributed differentially to these plexuses. This study describes the distribution and robust sexual dimorphism of kisspeptin-immunoreactive elements in human hypothalami, reveals neuronal contacts between kisspeptin-immunoreactive fibers and GnRH cells, and demonstrates co-synthesis of kisspeptins and neurokinin B in the infundibular nucleus. The neuroanatomical information will contribute to our understanding of central mechanisms whereby kisspeptins regulate human fertility.

  • Kisspeptin is released from human prostate cancer cell lines but plasma kisspeptin is not elevated in patients with prostate cancer.
    Oncology Reports, 2010
    Co-Authors: Annette E. Curtis, Gavin A Bewick, Owais B. Chaudhri, Radha Ramachandran, Anna-mary Young, Gurjinder Nijher, Jonathan Waxman, Mohammad A. Ghatei, Kevin Murphy, Stephen R Bloom
    Abstract:

    Kisspeptin, the product of the KiSS-1 gene, inhibits metastasis and stimulates the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. Kisspeptin is therefore a putative target in the treatment of hormone-sensitive malignancies. Prostatic carcinoma remains a significant cause of mortality despite improvements in therapy. The role of kisspeptin in prostatic carcinoma remains undefined. We therefore aimed to investigate release of kisspeptin by prostatic cancer cell lines; investigate expression of KiSS-1 in human prostate tissue; investigate whether patients with prostate carcinoma have elevated plasma kisspeptin. 1) Culture medium from prostatic carcinoma cell lines LNCaP, DU145 and PC3 was assayed for kisspeptin immunoreactivity (-IR). Kisspeptin-IR release was detectable from all three cell lines. The effect of hydroxyflutamide, gefitinib and resveratrol on kisspeptin-IR release from these cell lines was also investigated. No effect of the drugs tested on release of kisspeptin-IR was observed. 2) Expression of KiSS-1 in human prostate tissue (n=4) was investigated using in situ hybridisation. Expression of KiSS-1 was detected in human prostate tissue. 3) Plasma kisspeptin-IR was compared in 92 patients with prostatic carcinoma and 73 male controls. Kisspeptin-IR was not detected in the plasma of either patients with prostate cancer or control patients. We have therefore shown for the first time the release of kisspeptin-IR by prostatic carcinoma cell lines. We have also shown that KiSS-1 is expressed in human prostate tissue, and that circulating levels of kisspeptin-IR are not elevated in patients with prostatic carcinoma. Further work is required to determine the role of kisspeptin in the prostate.

  • A Kisspeptin-10 analog with greater in vivo bioactivity than Kisspeptin-10
    American Journal of Physiology-endocrinology and Metabolism, 2009
    Co-Authors: Annette E. Curtis, Jennifer H. Cooke, Jordan E. Baxter, James Richard C. Parkinson, A. Bataveljic, Mohammad A. Ghatei, Stephen R Bloom, Kevin Murphy
    Abstract:

    The kisspeptins are neuropeptides that stimulate the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The smallest endogenous kisspeptin, Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10), binds to the receptor KISS1R with a similar...

  • an increase in kisspeptin 54 release occurs with the pubertal increase in luteinizing hormone releasing hormone 1 release in the stalk median eminence of female rhesus monkeys in vivo
    Endocrinology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Kim L Keen, Frederick H Wegner, Mohammad A. Ghatei, Stephen R Bloom, Ei Terasawa
    Abstract:

    The G-protein coupled receptor GPR54 and its ligand, KiSS-1-derived peptide kisspeptin-54, appear to play an important role in the mechanism of puberty. This study measures the release of kisspeptin-54 in the stalk-median eminence (S-ME) during puberty and examines its potential role in the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release in female rhesus monkeys. First, developmental changes in release of kisspeptin-54 and LHRH-1 were assessed in push-pull perfusate samples obtained from the S-ME of prepubertal, early pubertal, and midpubertal female rhesus monkeys. Whereas LHRH-1 levels in 10-min intervals had been measured previously for other experiments, kisspeptin-54 levels in 40-min pooled samples were newly measured by RIA. The results indicate that a significant increase in kisspeptin-54 release occurred in association with the pubertal increase in LHRH-1 release and that a nocturnal increase in kisspeptin-54 release was already observed in prepubertal monkeys and continued through the pubertal period. Second, we measured kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME of midpubertal monkeys at 10-min intervals using a microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-54 release in the S-ME was clearly pulsatile with an interpulse interval of about 60 min, and approximately 75% of kisspeptin-54 pulses were correlated with LHRH-1 pulses. Finally, the effect of Kisspeptin-10 on LHRH-1 release was examined with the microdialysis method. Kisspeptin-10 infusion through a microdialysis probe significantly stimulated LHRH-1 release in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that kisspeptin plays a role in puberty.

  • preanalytical factors affecting ria measurement of plasma kisspeptin
    Clinical Chemistry, 2008
    Co-Authors: R Ramachandran, Waljit S Dhillo, Mohammad A. Ghatei, Kevin G Murphy, Michael Patterson, Sejal R Patel, Anna Kazarian, Stephen R Bloom
    Abstract:

    Kisspeptins are peptide products of the KiSS-1 metastasis-suppressor ( KISS1 ) gene and the natural ligands of the G-protein–coupled receptor GPR54. KISS1 was initially investigated as an antimetastasis gene. More recent studies have demonstrated that the kisspeptins are potent stimulators of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. Mice and humans with defective kisspeptin signaling show hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and impaired sexual development (1)(2). Plasma kisspeptin concentrations are <2 pmol/L in men and nonpregnant women. KiSS-1 mRNA is highly expressed in the placenta, and plasma kisspeptin concentrations increase dramatically, to thousands of picomoles per liter, during pregnancy (3). In addition, plasma kisspeptin is increased in women with gestational trophoblastic tumors, thus raising the possibility of measuring plasma kisspeptin as a novel tumor marker (4). Previous studies that have measured plasma kisspeptin in women during pregnancy have found significantly different concentrations of circulating kisspeptin (3)(4) that may be attributable to differences in preanalytical variables, such as collection tube type, processing times, and storage conditions. Use of a standardized sample collection method …

Manuel Tenasempere - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • new frontiers in kisspeptin gpr54 physiology as fundamental gatekeepers of reproductive function
    Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Carlos Dieguez, Leonor Pinilla, E Aguilar, Manuel Tenasempere
    Abstract:

    Identification, in late 2003, of inactivating mutations of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR54 as causative factor for absence of puberty and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans and mice was a major breakthrough in modern Neuroendocrinology, and drew considerable interest on the characterization of the roles of this receptor and its ligands (kisspeptins, encoded by the KiSS-1 gene) in the physiological control of essential facets of reproduction. After 3 years of intense research activity, kisspeptins are universally recognized as essential activators of the gonadotropic axis, with key roles in puberty onset and the control of gonadotropin secretion. While these fundamental functions are now well settled, novel aspects of kisspeptin/GPR54 physiology have emerged, including their involvement in the neuroendocrine control of ovulation and the metabolic gating of reproductive function. In addition, the 'comparative endocrinology' of this system has begun to be explored recently. These facets of kisspeptin/GPR54 function, as fundamental gatekeepers of reproduction, will be comprehensively reviewed herein.

  • direct pituitary effects of kisspeptin activation of gonadotrophs and somatotrophs and stimulation of luteinising hormone and growth hormone secretion
    Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 2007
    Co-Authors: Ester Gutierrezpascual, Antonio J Martinezfuentes, María M. Malagón, Leonor Pinilla, Manuel Tenasempere, Justo P Castano
    Abstract:

    Recent, compelling evidence indicates that kisspeptins, the products of KiSS-1 gene, and their receptor GPR54, represent key elements in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction, and that they act primarily by regulating gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion at the hypothalamus. Conversely, and despite earlier reports showing GPR54 expression in the pituitary, the potential physiological roles of kisspeptins at this gland have remained elusive. To clarify this issue, cultures of rat pituitary cells were used to evaluate expression of KiSS-1 and GPR54, and to monitor the ability of Kisspeptin-10 to stimulate Ca 2+ responses in gonadotrophs and to elicit luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in vitro. The results obtained show that both GPR54 and KiSS-1 are expressed in the pituitary of peripubertal male and female rats. Moreover, kiss-peptin-10 induced a rise in free cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in approximately 10% of male rat pituitary cells. Intriguingly, kisspeptin-responsive cells included not only gonadotrophs, in which a 62.8 ± 16.0% [Ca 2+ ] i rise was observed, but also somatotrophs, wherein kisspeptin induced a 60.3 ± 5.5% [Ca 2+ ] i increase. Accordingly, challenge of dispersed pituitary cells with increasing Kisspeptin-10 concentrations induced dose-related LH and growth hormone (GH) secretory responses, which were nevertheless of lower magnitude than those evoked by the primary regulators GnRH and GH-releasing hormone, respectively. In particular, 10 -8 M kisspeptin caused maximal increases in LH release (218.7 ± 23.6% and 180.4 ± 7.2% in male and female rat pituitary cells, respectively), and also stimulated maximally GH secretion (181.9 ± 14.9% and 260.2 ± 15.9% in male and female rat pituitary cells, respectively). Additionally, moderate summation of kisspeptin- and GnRH-induced LH responses was observed after short-term incubation of male rat pituitary cells. In conclusion, our results provide unequivocal evidence that kisspeptins exert direct pituitary effects in peripubertal male and female rats and suggest a possible autocrine/paracrine mode of action. The precise relevance and underlying mechanisms of this potential new actions of kisspeptins (i.e. the direct modulation of gonadotrophic and somato-trophic axis at the pituitary) deserve further analysis.

  • gpr54 and kisspeptin in reproduction
    Human Reproduction Update, 2006
    Co-Authors: Manuel Tenasempere
    Abstract:

    Kisspeptins, the peptide products of the KiSS-1 gene, were identified in 2001 as natural ligands of the previously orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR54. They include, among others, metastin and Kisspeptin-10. The known biological functions of kisspeptins were initially restricted to their ability to suppress tumour metastasis, hence the name of metastin. However, in late 2003, two groups independently reported that loss-of-function mutations of the GPR54 gene are linked to absence of puberty onset and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in humans—a phenotype that was reproduced in GPR54-null mice. Those seminal observations revealed a totally unexpected, fundamental role of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system in control of puberty and reproductive function and boosted an extraordinary interest for the characterization of these novel facets of kisspeptin physiology. Indeed, in the last 2 years, metastin and Kisspeptin-10 have been demonstrated as very potent stimulators of the gonadotrophic axis, in a number of species and through different routes of administration. In addition, the hypothalamic KiSS-1/GPR54 system has been proven as an essential gatekeeper of GnRH neurons, involved in their activation at puberty and their regulation by gonadal steroids and (probably) metabolic factors. This review comprehensively examines the experimental evidence obtained to date supporting a pivotal role of kisspeptins and GPR54 in the control of reproduction.

  • expression of hypothalamic kiss 1 system and rescue of defective gonadotropic responses by kisspeptin in streptozotocin induced diabetic male rats
    Diabetes, 2006
    Co-Authors: Juan M Castellano, E Vigo, R Fernandezfernandez, Rafael Pineda, Victor M Navarro, Carlos Dieguez, Leonor Pinilla, E Aguilar, Manuel Tenasempere
    Abstract:

    Hypogonadotropism is a common feature of uncontrolled diabetes, for which the ultimate mechanism remains to be elucidated. Kisspeptins, ligands of G protein–coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) encoded by the KiSS-1 gene, have recently emerged as major gatekeepers of the gonadotropic axis. Alteration in the hypothalamic KiSS-1 system has been reported in adverse metabolic conditions linked to suppressed gonadotropins, such as undernutrition. However, its potential contribution to defective gonadotropin secretion in diabetes has not been evaluated. We report herein analyses of luteinizing hormone (LH) responses to kisspeptin and hypothalamic expression of the KiSS-1 gene in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats. In addition, functional studies involving kisspeptin replacement or continuous administration of leptin and insulin to diabetic male rats are presented. Kisspeptin administration evoked robust LH and testosterone bursts and enhanced postgonadectomy LH concentrations, despite prevailing attenuation of gonadotropic axis in diabetic animals. In addition, hypothalamic KiSS-1 mRNA levels were unambiguously decreased in diabetic male rats, and the postorchidectomy rise in KiSS-1 mRNA was severely blunted. Repeated administration of kisspeptin to diabetic rats evoked persistent LH and testosterone responses and partially rescued prostate and testis weights. In addition, central infusion of leptin, but not insulin, was sufficient to normalize hypothalamic KiSS-1 mRNA levels, as well as LH and testosterone concentrations. In summary, we provide evidence for altered expression of the hypothalamic KiSS-1 system in a model of uncontrolled diabetes. This observation, together with the ability of exogenous kisspeptin to rescue defective LH responses in diabetic rats, unravel the physiopathological implication, and potential therapeutic intervention, of the KiSS-1 system in altered gonadotropin secretion of type 1 diabetes.

  • hypothalamic expression of kiss 1 system and gonadotropin releasing effects of kisspeptin in different reproductive states of the female rat
    Endocrinology, 2006
    Co-Authors: E Vigo, Juan M Castellano, R Fernandezfernandez, Victor M Navarro, Carlos Dieguez, Leonor Pinilla, E Aguilar, Felipe F Casanueva, Manuel Tenasempere
    Abstract:

    Kisspeptins, products of the KiSS-1 gene with ability to bind G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54), have been recently identified as major gatekeepers of reproductive function with ability to potently activate the GnRH/LH axis. Yet, despite the diversity of functional states of the female gonadotropic axis, pharmacological characterization of this effect has been mostly conducted in pubertal animals or adult male rodents, whereas similar studies have not been thoroughly conducted in the adult female. In this work, we evaluated maximal LH and FSH secretory responses to Kisspeptin-10, as well as changes in sensitivity and hypothalamic expression of KiSS-1 and GPR54 genes, in different physiological and experimental models in the adult female rat. Kisspeptin-10 (1 nmol, intracerebroventricular) was able to elicit robust LH bursts at all phases of the estrous cycle, with maximal responses at estrus; yet, in diestrus LH, responses to kisspeptin were detected at doses as low as 0.1 pmol. In contrast, high doses of kisspeptin only stimulated FSH secretion at diestrus. Removal of ovarian sex steroids did not blunt the ability of kisspeptin to further elicit stimulated LH and FSH secretion, but restoration of maximal responses required replacement with estradiol and progesterone. Finally, despite suppressed basal levels, LH and FSH secretory responses to kisspeptin were preserved in pregnant and lactating females, although the magnitude of LH bursts and the sensitivity to kisspeptin were much higher in pregnant dams. Interestingly, hypothalamic KiSS-1 gene expression significantly increased during pregnancy, whereas GPR54 mRNA levels remained unaltered. In summary, our current data document for the first time the changes in hypothalamic expression of KiSS-1 system and the gonadotropic effects (maximal responses and sensitivity) of kisspeptin in different functional states of the female reproductive axis. The present data may pose interesting implications in light of the potential therapeutic use of kisspeptin analogs in the pharmacological manipulation of the gonadotropic axis in the female.

Gregory E. Demas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • response to exogenous kisspeptin varies according to sex and reproductive condition in siberian hamsters phodopus sungorus
    General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2011
    Co-Authors: Timothy J. Greives, Kimberly L P Long, Christine Bergeon M Burns, Gregory E. Demas
    Abstract:

    Most animals experience marked changes in reproductive status across development that are regulated by changes in the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The upstream mechanisms regulating this axis, however, remain less well understood. The neuropeptide kisspeptin serves as a positive regulator of reproduction; the precise actions of kisspeptin on the HPG axis in animals of differing developmental and seasonal reproductive states, however, remain unresolved. Further, sex differences in response to kisspeptin have not been fully explored. In Experiment 1, we investigated whether sensitivity to a broad range of kisspeptin doses differed in adult male and female Siberian hamsters held on reproductively inhibitory or stimulatory photoperiods. In Experiment 2, we asked whether the response to kisspeptin differed across different stages of reproductive development. Males and females displayed elevated luteinizing hormone LH) in response to kisspeptin; however, the sexes differed in this response, with males showing greater LH responses to kisspeptin than females. Hamsters responded to kisspeptin across all stages of reproductive development, although the magnitude of this response differed between animals of different ages and between the sexes. Males showed significant increases in LH at an earlier development age than females; females also showed blunted LH responses during early adulthood whereas males remained relatively constant in their response to kisspeptin. These findings suggest that reproductively active and inactive hamsters are responsive to kisspeptin, but that the sexes differ in their responsiveness. Collectively, these data provide further insight into the basic actions of kisspeptin in the regulation of reproduction, and provide a potential mechanism for the regulation of differential reproductive responses between the sexes.

  • Photoperiod and testosterone interact to drive seasonal changes in kisspeptin expression in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus).
    Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Timothy J. Greives, Melissa Ann L Scotti, Gregory E. Demas, S. A. Humber, A. N. Goldstein, Lance J Kriegsfeld
    Abstract:

    Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide product of the KiSS-1 gene, has recently been implicated in the regulation of seasonal breeding in a number of species, including Siberian hamsters. In this species, kisspeptin expression is reduced in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) following exposure to inhibitory day lengths, and exogenous kisspeptin activates the reproductive neuroendocrine axis of reproductively quiescent animals. Because sex steroids can impact kisspeptin expression, it is unclear whether changes in kisspeptin occur in direct response to photoperiodic cues or secondarily in response to changes in sex steroid concentrations resulting from the transition to reproductive quiescence. The present study aimed to assess the relative contributions of photoperiod and testosterone in regulating kisspeptin expression in Siberian hamsters. Animals housed in long or short day lengths for 8 weeks were either castrated or received sham surgeries. Half of the hamsters in each photoperiod were given testosterone to mimic long-day sex steroid concentrations. The results obtained indicate that kisspeptin neurones in the AVPV and arcuate nuclei were influenced by both photoperiod and testosterone. In the AVPV, removal of testosterone or exposure to inhibitory day lengths led to a marked reduction in kisspeptinimmunoreactive cells, and testosterone treatment increased cell numbers across conditions. Importantly, long-day castrates exhibited significantly more kisspeptin cells than short-day castrates or intact short-day animals with empty capsules, suggesting the influences of photoperiod, independent of gonadal steroids. In general, the opposite pattern emerged for the arcuate nuclei. Collectively, these data suggest a role for both gonadal-dependent and independent (i.e. photoperiodic) mechanisms regulating seasonal changes in kisspeptin expression in Siberian hamsters.

  • exogenous kisspeptin does not alter photoperiod induced gonadal regression in siberian hamsters phodopus sungorus
    General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Timothy J. Greives, Lance J Kriegsfeld, Gregory E. Demas
    Abstract:

    In order to reproduce successfully, animals must integrate multiple environmental cues to synchronize breeding with favorable conditions. In temperate, seasonally breeding rodents, photoperiod acts as the primary seasonal cue. Long days are associated with reproductive development and maturation of the gonads whereas short days induce gonadal regression. The neuropeptide kisspeptin has potent stimulatory effects on reproductive development. Kisspeptin potently stimulates GnRH release and kisspeptin expression co-varies with photoperiod in seasonally breeding animals. Here we tested the hypothesis that reproductive involution in response to inhibitory day lengths results from reduced kisspeptin stimulation of the reproductive axis in seasonally breeding Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). If true, gonadal regrowth should be hastened by kisspeptin treatment in regressed hamsters and prevented in hamsters by treatment prior to and during regression. In Experiments 1 and 2 we tested the ability of kisspeptin to reverse gonadal regression. In Experiment 1, reproductively regressed hamsters received chronic kisspeptin via osmotic mini-pumps for 4 weeks. In Experiment 2, daily injections of kisspeptin were administered to regressed hamsters for 6 weeks. In Experiment 3, the ability of kisspeptin to block gonadal regression was tested; hamsters transferred to short days received daily injections of kisspeptin for 6 weeks. In all three studies, short-day animals receiving exogenous kisspeptin did not differ from short-day controls. Collectively, these results provide evidence that mechanisms in addition to those that converge on the kisspeptin system are likely critical for seasonal changes in the reproductive axis.

  • environmental control of kisspeptin implications for seasonal reproduction
    Endocrinology, 2007
    Co-Authors: Timothy J. Greives, Alex O Mason, Melissa Ann L Scotti, Jacob H Levine, Lance J Kriegsfeld, Ellen D. Ketterson, Gregory E. Demas
    Abstract:

    The KiSS-1 gene encodes the peptide hormone kisspeptin, which acts as a principal positive regulator of the reproductive axis by directly stimulating GnRH neuron activity. To gain insight into a potential role for kisspeptin in integrating and relaying reproductively relevant stimuli to the GnRH system, we investigated changes in kisspeptin peptide expression associated with photoperiodic changes in reproductive state as well as pituitary and gonadal responses to peripheral kisspeptin injections. Seasonally breeding rodents undergo pronounced fluctuations in reproductive state in response to changing day lengths. In common with other rodent species, a majority of male Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) exhibit reproductive decline after exposure to short-day lengths. A subset of individuals fails to respond to day length information, however, and maintains their reproductive function. We exploited these individual differences to examine whether kisspeptin may act at the interface between external stimuli and the reproductive system. After extended exposure to short days, animals with a quiescent reproductive axis displayed a marked reduction in kisspeptin cell labeling in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus but robust kisspeptin-immunoreactive staining in the arcuate nucleus. In contrast, animals with functional reproductive systems displayed high numbers of kisspeptin-immunoreactive neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus but a paucity of expression in the arcuate nucleus. Kisspeptin injections significantly elevated LH over preinjection levels regardless of photoperiod or reproductive state. Collectively, these findings suggest an important role for kisspeptin in coordinating and relaying environmentally relevant information to the reproductive axis as well as a role for this peptide in regulating seasonal changes in reproductive function.