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Regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion by kisspeptin/dynorphin/neurokinin B neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the mouse.

ABSTRACT: Kisspeptin is encoded by the Kiss1 gene, and kisspeptin signaling plays a critical role in reproduction. In rodents, kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) provide tonic drive to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which in turn supports basal luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Our objectives were to determine whether preprodynorphin (Dyn) and neurokinin B (NKB) are coexpressed in Kiss1 neurons in the mouse and to evaluate its physiological significance. Using in situ hybridization, we found that Kiss1 neurons in the Arc of female mice not only express the Dyn and NKB genes but also the NKB receptor gene (NK3) and the Dyn receptor [the kappa opioid receptor (KOR)] gene. We also found that expression of the Dyn, NKB, KOR, and NK3 in the Arc are inhibited by estradiol, as has been established for Kiss1, and confirmed that Dyn and NKB inhibit LH secretion. Moreover, using Dyn and KOR knock-out mice, we found that long-term disruption of Dyn/KOR signaling compromises the rise of LH after ovariectomy. We propose a model whereby NKB and dynorphin act autosynaptically on kisspeptin neurons in the Arc to synchronize and shape the pulsatile secretion of kisspeptin and drive the release of GnRH from fibers in the median eminence.

SUBMITTER: Navarro VM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2793332 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Electroacupuncture (EA) can effectively improve hyperandrogenism and increase ovulation frequency in patients with PCOS. Pieces of suggest that androgen activity in the brain is associated with impaired steroid negative feedback in such patients. Studies have shown that EA regulated androgen receptor (AR) expression and local factor levels (such as anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B) in the ovary of PCOS rats. However, few studies have explored the effect of EA on androgen activity in the brain.ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of EA on the kisspeptin-gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) neural circuit and sex hormone receptor expression in the hypothalamus of PCOS rats.MethodsPCOS signs were induced by letrozole administration, and the induced rats were treated with low-frequency EA at Guan Yuan acupoint (CV4). The effect of EA on PCOS-like signs was evaluated by observing changes in the body weight, ovarian quality, ovarian morphology, and serum sex hormone levels in rats. To explore the mechanism of the effect of EA on PCOS-like signs, the neuropeptide content of the kisspeptin-GnRH/LH neural circuit was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA); AR and estrogen receptor α (ERα) coexpression on kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons was determined via triple-label immunofluorescence; and protein and mRNA expression of Kiss1, Ar, Esr1, and kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r) was evaluated via western blotting and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).ResultsThe results revealed that the estrous cycle of rats in the EA treatment group recovered, and their body and ovary weight reduced; ovarian morphology improved; serum testosterone and LH levels significantly decreased; and kisspeptin, GnRH, and dynorphin levels in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus significantly decreased. Compared with controls, the number of AR/Kiss1-positive cells increased, number of ERα/Kiss1-positive cells decreased, and protein and mRNA expression of Kiss1, Ar, and Kiss1r significantly increased in PCOS rats. However, EA treatment reversed these changes and reduced the expression of Kiss1, Ar, and Kiss1r significantly.ConclusionImprovement in the reproductive hallmarks of PCOS rats via EA may be achieved by regulating the kisspeptin-GnRH/LH circuit via androgen activity attenuation. Thus, the results provide an experimental basis for acupuncture as an adjuvant medical therapy on PCOS.

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Regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion by kisspeptin/dynorphin/neurokinin B neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the mouse.

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