[Effects of RFRP-3 on reproductive function and energy balance in mammals]

Yi Chuan. 2012 Aug;34(8):969-76. doi: 10.3724/sp.j.1005.2012.00969.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

The hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis integrates internal and external cues via a balance of stimulatory and inhibitory neurochemical systems to regulate reproductive function in mammals. However, RFRP-3 is a unique inhibitor of HPG axis at the hypothalamuic level in mammals to date. A large number of previous studies have confirmed that RFamide-related peptide (RFRP-3) suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, thereby affecting the reproduction. However, whether the inhibition of LH secretion by RFRP-3 occurs at the pituitary level or the hypothalamus level is not clear. It is interesting that RFRP-3 is also related to signal pathway of melatonin modulating mammal seasonal reproduction, but little is known about the effects of melatonin on the RFRP-3 neuron up to now. In addition, RFRP-3 also plays an important role in the regulation of energy balance and behavior. The regulatory mechanism of RFRP-3 in HPG axis and role of RFRP-3 in modulating mammalian energy balance, as well as behavior, are systematically elaborated and the remaining unsolved problems are also discussed in this paper.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
  • Mammals
  • Neuropeptides / genetics*
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism*
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism
  • Reproduction / genetics
  • Reproduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • RFamide peptide