Reproduction Abstracts

Brain mechanism responsible for LH surge generation shows sexual dimorphism in rodents. The dimorphism is considered to be due to the perinatal estrogen converted from testicular androgen during developing period. The present paper aimed to clarify the mechanisms mediating the estrogen-induced defeminization of LH surge-generating system. The microarray analysis is an attempt to obtain the candidate gene(s) mediating the perinatal estrogen action causing the brain sexual diffe...

Introduction: Kisspeptin, encoded by Kiss1, is a neuropeptide that directly regulates GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus. The present study aimed to examine a relationship between the circulating gonadotropin levels and follicle development using the Kiss1 knockout (Kiss1 KO) adult female rats.Materials and methods: Kiss1 KO and WT animals were obtained by mating of Kiss1+/− males and female...

Kisspeptin, encoded by Kiss1 gene, is considered to be a key regulator for GnRH secretion. Kiss1 knockout (KO) rats are infertile due to the absence of gonadotropin secretion in both sexes. Kiss1 KO male rats receiving testosterone during their adult age showed no male sexual behaviors (mount, intromission, and ejaculation), but showed female sexual behavior (lordosis) in Kiss1 KO males. To examine whether kisspeptin is also needed to induce...

Kisspeptin, encoded by Kiss1 gene, has attracted attention as a key neuropeptide in controlling reproduction in mammals. Earlier studies with Kiss1 or its cognate receptor Gpr54 knockout (KO) mice showed the indispensable role of kisspeptin–GPR54 signaling on reproduction, but detailed analysis of gonadotropin release were still limited. Here we have generated Kiss1 KO rats to evaluate a role of kisspeptin on pulsatile gonadotropin secr...