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Updated: May 21, 2026

Dual Somatic Recordings from Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurons Identified by Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in Hypothalamic Slices
Published on: February 23, 2010
RFamide peptides as mediators in environmental control of GnRH neurons
Ishwar Parhar1, Satoshi Ogawa, Takashi Kitahashi
1Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway campus, PJ 46150, Malaysia. ishwar@monash.edu
Abstract:
Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key hormone for reproductive functions in vertebrates and non-vertebrates. Although GnRH neuronal system is regulated by several factors such as steroids, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, it is not fully understood how environmental signals control the GnRH neuronal system. RFamide peptides, members of peptides possessing an Arg-Phe-NH(2) motif at their C-terminus, have recently been characterized as major regulators of GnRH neurons. In particular, two key RFamide peptides, kisspeptin and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), are emerging as important regulators of the reproductive axis. Kisspeptin acts as the accelerator, directly driving GnRH neurons, whereas GnIH acts as the restraint. In addition, other RFamide peptides such as prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), PQRFa peptide, 26RFa/QRFP are also known to control reproduction. These RFamide peptides are regulated by environmental factors such as photoperiods, steroid hormones, metabolic signals, and stress. How environmental signals are integrated by RFamide peptides to regulate reproduction through the GnRH neurons?
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