The role of kisspeptin signalling in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

Abstract

Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic peptide hormone, which plays a crucial role in puberty and fertility control by stimulating the release of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, which in turn stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. It also interacts with neuropeptides neurokinin B and dynorphin A, and is under negative and positive feedback influences relayed by gonadal sex steroids. Loss of kisspeptin signalling results in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and impaired puberty. Kisspeptin expression and secretion is also affected by metabolic status and stress. Several studies have indicated a potential role for kisspeptin in the treatment of disorders causing hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. This review aims to summarize the importance of kisspeptin and its role in the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal axis.