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Electrophysiology of Kisspeptin Neurons

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Book cover Kisspeptin Signaling in Reproductive Biology

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 784))

Abstract

Kisspeptin is an important regulator of reproduction. Electrophysiological studies show that kisspeptin neurons of the arcuate nucleus that co-localize neurokinin B and dynorphin (aka KNDy neurons) fire action potentials in a tonic, irregular, or burst firing manner. Gonadectomy dramatically alters the membrane properties of KNDY neurons from male mice and induces somatic hypertrophy. NMDA, leptin, and neurokinin B are potent activators of KNDY neuron electrical activity and GABA inhibits KNDY neurons. The firing pattern of kisspeptin neurons located in the RP3V fluctuates with the estrus cycle and is strongly modulated by glutamate and GABA. Thus, kisspeptin neurons are capable of burst firing, and their activity is modulated by sex steroids and other regulatory factors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yale University School of Medicine, CMHC W-215, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT, 06508, USA

    Meenakshi Alreja Ph.D.

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  1. Meenakshi Alreja Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Meenakshi Alreja Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, California, USA

    Alexander S. Kauffman

  2. School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Hackett Drive, Nedlands, 6009, West Australia, Australia

    Jeremy T. Smith

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Alreja, M. (2013). Electrophysiology of Kisspeptin Neurons. In: Kauffman, A., Smith, J. (eds) Kisspeptin Signaling in Reproductive Biology. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 784. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6199-9_16

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