Regulation of Kisspeptin-expressing Neurons and Stimulatory Mode of Action of Kisspeptin in Immortalized Hypothalamic Cell Models
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Fertility is a highly regulated process dependent on the orchestration of hypothalamic neuropeptides and peripheral hormones, which converge on GnRH neurons in the HPG axis. Kisspeptin and its receptor, Gpr54 have emerged as fundamental gatekeepers of reproduction, acting upstream of GnRH neurons. Kiss neurons have been found to express estrogen receptors, Gpr54 and the GnIH receptor, Gpr147. We have generated immortalized, murine hypothalamic cell lines to investigate mechanisms of gene transcription in kisspeptin-expressing neuronal cell models. We show using qRT-PCR and western blot analyses that kisspeptin-expressing neuronal models are targets for gonadal steroids and hypothalamic neuropeptides. Further, using a novel GnRH-secreting cell line, we report that GnRH neurons expressing Gpr54 and Gpr47 are stimulated by kisspeptin, although suppressed by a kisspeptin/GnIH cotreatnent. Overall, these studies expand our knowledge of the regulation of Kiss neurons by estradiol, kisspeptin and GnIH, improving our understanding of kisspeptin as a modulator of GnRH neurons.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Zoey Friedman
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2623128105