Kisspeptin2 regulates hormone expression in female zebrafish (Danio rerio) pituitary

Kisspeptin2 is a neuropeptide widely found in the brain and multiple peripheral tissues in the zebrafish. The pituitary is the center of synthesis and secretes various endocrine hormones. However, Kiss2 innervation in the zebrafish pituitary is unknown. In this study, the organization of Kiss2 cells and structures in the zebrafish pituitary by promoter-driving mCherry-labeling Kiss2 neurons were investigated. Kiss2 neurons in the hypothalamus do not project into the pituitary. Kiss2 cells are found in the female pituitary. Unidentified Kiss2 cells and extensions are located in the proximal pars distalis (PPD), similar to the distribution of Gnrh3 fibers. Kiss2 structures reside alongside Gnrh3 fibers. No Kiss2 structures are found in the male pituitary. The transcriptional expression of the kisspeptin receptor kiss1rb is detected in both female and male pituitaries. In situ hybridization shows that kiss1rb-positive cells are located in the PPD and pars intermedia (PI). In vitro Kiss2-10 treatment stimulates Akt and Erk phosphorylation and significantly induces lhβ, fshβ, and prl1 mRNA expression in the female pituitary. The results in this study suggest that Kiss2 and Kiss1rb may form an independent paracrine or autocrine system in the female zebrafish pituitary. Kiss2 and Kiss1rb signaling regulates the expression of pituitary hormones.