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The Role Of Kisspeptin And Kndy Cells In The Reproductive Neuroendocrine System, Christina M. Merkley

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the hypothalamus represent the final common output in the central control of reproduction. GnRH secretion is modulated indirectly by steroid feedback action of gonadal steroids on afferent interneurons. In recent years, the neuropeptide, kisspeptin, has emerged as a key mediator of steroid feedback onto GnRH neurons and the reproductive system. Kisspeptin neurons located in the preoptic area (POA) mediate estradiol (E2) positive feedback leading to the preovulatory surge, and kisspeptin cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) have been shown to mediate the negative feedback actions of E2 on pulsatile GnRH secretion. ARC kisspeptin neurons …