Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons as a Target for Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Recordings
Published on: March 17, 2023
Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by selective ligands of the KISS1R
Emily L Thompson1, Kevin G Murphy
1Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Investigative Medicine, Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
Abstract:
The kisspeptin/kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) system is a critical regulator of reproductive function. The kisspeptins are potent stimulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis via their actions ongonadotropin-releasing hormone. Therefore, kisspeptins represent putative drug targets for the treatment of reproductive diseases. Kisspeptins of 10, 13, 14 and 54 amino acids in length have been identified, all of which contain a C-terminal decapeptide that is essential for biological activity. The longest form, kisspeptin-54, may be the most bioactive in vivo. Moreover, the pattern of kisspeptin administration is important; whereas single or intermittent injections of kisspeptin generally stimulate the HPG axis, continuous administration leads to the desensitization of the HPG axis to the effects of the peptide. Several kisspeptin analogs have been developed, and are discussed in relation to their activity at the KISS1R and to their in vivo HPG axis effects.
More Related Videos
08:56Remote Neuronal Activation Coupled with Automated Blood Sampling to Induce and Measure Circulating Luteinizing Hormone in Mice
Published on: August 25, 2023
12:49Mutagenesis and Analysis of Genetic Mutations in the GC-rich KISS1 Receptor Sequence Identified in Humans with Reproductive Disorders
Published on: September 4, 2011
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral stimuli,...
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.