Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Hypothalamic KNDy neurons have recently been identified as key regulators of reproductive function by releasing three neuropeptides namely kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin. Animal studies show they interact to control pulsatile GnRH release, which is vital for fertility. In animals, kisspeptin stimulates, NKB modulates and the opioid dynorphin inhibits GnRH pulsatility. However, the interaction of these peptides has never been studied in humans. To inve...

Kisspeptin is a recently identified reproductive hormone which serves as a crucial activator of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal (HPG) axis via stimulation of GnRH neurones. We have previously observed that a single kisspeptin injection increases LH pulsatility while twice daily kisspeptin injections can even advance the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that kisspeptin restores LH pulsatility in women with hypothalamic amenorrhoea and can potently...

Kisspeptin is a crucial activator of reproductive function, stimulating GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. However, kisspeptin and its receptor are also expressed in other brain regions including the limbic system, which has key roles in emotional processing. Kisspeptin signalling in the limbic system modulates emotional and sexual brain processing during tasks, however the effects of kisspeptin on underlying resting brain activity have not yet been studied. This is vital for o...

Kisspeptin is a crucial activator of reproductive function, stimulating GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. However, kisspeptin and its receptor are also expressed in other brain regions including the limbic system, which has key roles in emotional processing. Kisspeptin signalling in the limbic system modulates emotional and sexual brain processing during tasks, however the effects of kisspeptin on underlying resting brain activity have not yet been studied. This is vital for o...

Kisspeptin is a crucial activator of reproductive function, playing a critical role in the hypothalamus to activate GnRH neurons and downstream reproductive hormones. However, kisspeptin and its receptor are also expressed in other brain areas, yet little is known about their function here. The limbic system plays a key role in sexual and emotional behaviours and has a high expression of kisspeptin receptors. We therefore hypothesised that kisspeptin administration may modulat...