The Effects of the Novel Reproductive Peptide Phoenixin-20 Amide on GnRH and Kisspeptin Hypothalamic Cell Models
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Reproductive function is coordinated by the actions of specific neuropeptides and hormones, which converge on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. Phoenixin-20 amide (PNX-20) is a recently described peptide that increases GnRH-stimulated LH secretion and upregulates GnRH receptor mRNA in the anterior pituitary. However, to date no studies have looked at the role of PNX-20 in the hypothalamus, where it is most highly expressed. Using cell lines representative of GnRH and kisspeptin neurons, the effects of PNX-20 in the hypothalamic cells were explored. PNX-20 increases GnRH mRNA expression, protein levels and secretion in a GnRH cell model and Kiss-1 mRNA in anteroventral periventricular and arcuate nuclei kisspeptin cell models. PNX-20 also activates the adenylyl cyclase and MAPK pathways. Furthermore, we report that kisspeptin increases gene expression of the PNX precursor protein, SMIM20. These results indicate that PNX-20 may be involved in the regulation of reproduction at the level of the hypothalamus.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Alice K. Treen
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2551523894