Kisspeptin excitation of GnRH neurons

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2013:784:113-31. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6199-9_6.

Abstract

Kisspeptin binding to its cognate G protein-coupled receptor (GPR54, aka Kiss1R) in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons stimulates peptide release and activation of the reproductive axis in mammals. Kisspeptin has pronounced pre- and postsynaptic effects, with the latter dominating the excitability of GnRH neurons. Presynaptically, kisspeptin increases the excitatory drive (both GABA-A and glutamate) to GnRH neurons and postsynaptically, kisspeptin inhibits an A-type and inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir 6.2 and GIRK) currents and activates nonselective cation (TRPC) currents to cause long-lasting depolarization and increased action potential firing. The signaling cascades and the multiple intracellular targets of kisspeptin actions in native GnRH neurons are continuing to be elucidated. This review summarizes our current state of knowledge about kisspeptin signaling in GnRH neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Animals
  • G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone*
  • Humans
  • Kisspeptins / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / metabolism
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Receptors, Kisspeptin-1
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Synaptic Potentials / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels
  • KISS1 protein, human
  • KISS1R protein, human
  • Kir6.2 channel
  • Kisspeptins
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Kisspeptin-1
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Glutamic Acid
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid