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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Author Spotlight: Hypothalamic Neural Mechanism Insights
Published on: August 4, 2023
The hypothalamic ventral premammillary nucleus: A key site in leptin's regulation of reproduction
Rebecca L Leshan1, Donald W Pfaff1
1Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, Rockefeller University, Box 275, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States.
Abstract:
Reproduction is an energy-expensive process that relies on indicators of energy availability to adjust its proper functioning. The adipokine leptin provides one such metabolic signal, with leptin receptor-expressing neurons at sites widespread within the CNS, including regions associated with the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. One substantial population lies within the hypothalamic ventral premammillary nucleus (PMv), a region itself linked to reproductive control, which may provide a strategic site for the integration of energy availability, sensory and gonadal cues. Here we review our current understanding of leptin and PMv regulation of reproduction, including emerging details about intracellular mechanisms of leptin action at this site.
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