Electrophysiology of kisspeptin neurons

Abstract

Kisspeptin is an important regulator of reproduction. Electrophysiological studies show that kisspeptin neurons of the arcuate nucleus that co-localize neurokinin B and dynorphin (aka KNDy neurons) fire action potentials in a tonic, irregular, or burst firing manner. Gonadectomy dramatically alters the membrane properties of KNDY neurons from male mice and induces somatic hypertrophy. NMDA, leptin, and neurokinin B are potent activators of KNDY neuron electrical activity and GABA inhibits KNDY neurons. The firing pattern of kisspeptin neurons located in the RP3V fluctuates with the estrus cycle and is strongly modulated by glutamate and GABA. Thus, kisspeptin neurons are capable of burst firing, and their activity is modulated by sex steroids and other regulatory factors.