Puberty-Associated Changes in Kiss1r, MC3R, and MC4R in the Ewe

Thomson AC (2024) Puberty-Associated Changes in Kiss1r, MC3R, and MC4R in the Ewe. West Virgina University

Objective: To examine kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r) mRNA expression in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and melanocortin 3 and 4 receptor (MC3R/MC4R) expression in kisspeptin neurons across pubertal development.

Summary: Kiss1r expression in GnRH neurons increased with development. In the arcuate nucleus (ARC), the proportion of kisspeptin neurons expressing MC3R, but not MC4R, also rose, though MC3R signal intensity remained unchanged. ARC Kiss1r expression did not vary. Findings support increased GnRH neuron sensitivity to kisspeptin and aMSH as part of the pubertal neurocircuitry.

Usage: Author references prior studies. Deletion of about 75% of KNDy neurons through targeted NKB-SAP (IT-63) injections significantly delayed puberty onset. Reduction of Kiss1r expression in the ARC via targeted injection of a Kisspeptin-SAP (IT-102) conjugate disrupted pulsatile LH release and blocked the LH surge.

Related Products: NKB-SAP (Cat. #IT-63)

See Also:

• Aerts EG et al. The effect of NK3-Saporin injection within the arcuate nucleus on puberty, the LH surge, and the response to Senktide in female sheep. Biol Reprod 110(2):275-287, 2024.