Kisspeptin and fertility

J Endocrinol. 2011 Feb;208(2):97-105. doi: 10.1677/JOE-10-0265. Epub 2010 Nov 17.

Abstract

The kisspeptins are a family of peptide hormones, which in recent years have been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, thus in turn influencing fertility and reproduction. This review examines the physiological role of kisspeptin and the kisspeptin receptor in the control of gonadotrophin and gonadal steroid hormone secretion and the implications of these findings with respect to fertility. In addition, the potential therapeutic use of kisspeptin in the treatment of reproductive disorders will be examined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / metabolism
  • Feedback, Physiological
  • Fertility / physiology*
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Gonadotropins / metabolism*
  • Gonads / metabolism*
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology
  • Hypothalamus / physiology
  • Infertility / drug therapy
  • Kisspeptins
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism
  • Nutritional Status / physiology
  • Pituitary Gland / metabolism
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiology
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Kisspeptin-1
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Seasons
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Steroids / metabolism
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Gonadotropins
  • KISS1 protein, human
  • KISS1R protein, human
  • Kisspeptins
  • Neuropeptides
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Kisspeptin-1
  • Steroids
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Growth Hormone