Molecular Mapping of the Neural Pathways Linking Leptin to the Neuroendocrine Reproductive Axis

• DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-0096
• Publication Date: 2011-03-23T02:33:08Z
• Authors: Gwendolyn W. Louis; Megan Greenwald-Y...; Rebecca Phillips; Lique M. Coolen; Michael N. Lehman; Martin G. Myers
• Keywords: Kisspeptin; Leptin receptor; Preoptic area

Negative energy balance and insufficient adipose stores decrease the production of leptin, thereby diminishing leptin-supported secretion GnRH from hypothalamus promoting decreased reproductive function. Leptin acts via its receptor (LepRb) to support neuroendocrine axis, but nature location relevant LepRb neurons remain poorly understood. Possibilities include direct or indirect action leptin on hypothalamic neurons, kisspeptin (Kiss1) that are major regulators neurons. To evaluate these potential mechanisms, we employed immunohistochemical analysis female brain various molecular mouse models sheep. Our revealed no in anteroventral periventricular Kiss1 very limited (0–6%) colocalization with arcuate nucleus cells, suggesting does not modulate reproduction by any neural populations. primarily ventral premammillary a subregion preoptic area, lie close contact however. Furthermore, an unidentified population populations Taken together, findings suggest communicates axis multiple afferent both