RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), the mammalian ortholog of avian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), plays a crucial role in reproduction. In the present study, we explored the other functions of RFRP-3 by investigating the effects of chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of RFRP-3 (6 nmol/day) for 13 days on energy homeostasis in lean male C57BL/6J mice. The infusion of RFRP-3 increased cumulative food intake and body mass. In addition, the masses of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the liver were increased by the administration of RFRP-3, although the mass of white adipose tissue was unchanged. On the other hand, RFRP-3 decreased O2 consumption, CO2 production, energy expenditure, and core body temperature during a short time period in the dark phase. These results suggest that the increase in food intake and the decrease in energy expenditure contributed to the gain of body mass, including the masses of BAT and the liver. The present study shows that RFRP-3 regulates not only reproductive function, but also energy metabolism, in mice.
Keywords: RFamide-relative peptide; body mass; body temperature; food intake; neuropeptide.