The Roles of the Amygdala Kisspeptin System

The hypothalamic hormone kisspeptin (encoded by the KISS1/kiss1 gene) is the master regulator of the reproductive axis with its role in controlling gonadotrophin hormone secretion now well characterized. However, identification of kisspeptin and its cognate receptor expression within the amygdala, a key limbic brain region whose functions contribute to a broad range of physiological and behavioral processes, has heightened interest concerning kisspeptins' role in the broader aspects of reproductive physiology. In this review, we detail the important developments and key studies examining the emerging functions of this kisspeptin population. These studies provide novel advances in our understanding of the mechanisms controlling reproductive neuroendocrinology by defining the crucial role of the amygdala kisspeptin system in modulating pubertal timing, reproductive hormone secretion, and pulsatility, as well as its influence in governing-related behaviors. To this end, the role of the amygdala kisspeptin system in integrating reproductive hormone secretion with behavior sheds new light onto the potential use of kisspeptin-based therapeutics for reproductive and related psychosexual disorders.