A rat model for the energetic regulation of gonadotropin secretion: role of the glucose-sensing mechanism in the brain

Energy availability has been considered to regulate gonadal activity by modulating the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) at various reproductive phases, such as lactation and puberty in domestic as well as wild animals. Experimental models with rats and sheep have demonstrated that fasting or glucoprivation suppresses pulsatile LH release. From those experiments, the information on energy deficiency is considered to be detected by specific central sensors and conveyed to the hypothalamus to regulate LH release as well as food intake. Noradrenergic neurons, originating in the medulla oblongata and projecting to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), is reported to be one of the pathways mediating the response of LH release to energy deficiency. The other component is considered to be an energy-sensing mechanism in the brain. Glucose or other oxidizable fuels may function as a metabolic signal to regulate LH release. Previous studies suggest the presence of a glucose-sensing mechanism in the rat hindbrain. From our previous results in the rat, the ependymocytes lining the wall of the cerebroventricle could possibly serve as a glucose sensor to regulate GnRH/LH release. Greater understanding of the nature of the energy-sensing mechanism in the brain will contribute to the nutritional manipulation of reproductive performance in domestic animals in various conditions.     

Generation of transgenic rats expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons

Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons govern reproductive function by controlling the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary. To facilitate identification of living GnRH neurons, here we attempted to generate transgenic rats that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in GnRH neurons. About 3 kb of rat GnRH promoter region was inserted into the EGFP reporter cassette, and the expression of EGFP fluorescence was confirmed in several cell lines following transient transfection. Then we successfully generated a transgenic rat by injecting linearized GnRH-EGFP transgene into the pronuclei of fertilized oocytes. The GnRH-EGFP transgenic rats expressed EGFP in the brain, but not in the ovary, testis or thymus. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that detectable EGFP fluorescence was confined to the cell body of GnRH-immunoreactive neurons in the septum and preoptic area, while no EGFP signal was discernible in the median eminence where abundant GnRH-immunoreactive fibers were observed. The mean percentage of EGFP-positive cells in the GnRH-positive cells was 76.3%. The GnRH-EGFP transgenic rats generated in the present study will enable characterization of properties of individual GnRH neurons.     

Distribution of orexin B and its relationship with GnRH in the pig hypothalamus

Increasing evidence suggests that orexins--hypothalamic neuropeptides--act as neurotransmitters or neuromediators in the brain, regulating autonomic and neuroendocrine functions. Orexins are closely associated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the preoptic area and alter luteinizing hormone (LH) release, suggesting that they regulate reproduction. Here, we investigated the distribution of orexin B (immunohistochemical technique) and the relationship between orexin B and GnRH containing fibres and neurons in the pig hypothalamus using double immunofluorescence and laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Orexin B immunoreactive neurons were mainly localized in the perifornical area (PeF), dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH), zona incerta (ZI) and the posterior hypothalamic area (PH), with a sparser distribution in the preoptic and anterior hypothalamic area. Immunoreactive fibres were distributed throughout the central nervous system. Approximately 30% GnRH neurons were in close contact with orexin B immunoreactive fibres, among these approximately 6% of GnRH neurons co-localized with orexin B perikarya in the region between the caudal preoptic area and the anterior hypothalamic area. Orexin B may regulate reproduction by altering LH release in the hypothalamus.     

哺乳动物性晚熟相关基因的研究进展

人和哺乳动物性的发育和成熟源于下丘脑性腺激素释放激素（gonadotropin releasing hormone,GnRH）脉冲式释放。GnRH释放受到抑制或破坏,就会导致性腺机能减退,人在发育前和发育期就会出现发育迟缓和性发育不良,表现为无精症或闭经;动物则表现为初情期延迟、生殖能力下降等表型。编码促性腺激素及其受体基因的突变可能引起哺乳动物性晚熟。笔者简要介绍了GPR54、GnRH/GnRHR、FSH/FSHR、LH/LHR基因与哺乳动物性晚熟的关系。     

Teasing apart socially‐induced infertility in non‐reproductive female Damaraland mole‐rats,Fukomys damarensis (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)

The Damaraland mole‐rat is a subterranean mammal exhibiting extreme reproductive skew with a single reproductive female in each colony responsible for procreation. Non‐reproductive female colony members are physiologically suppressed while in the colony, exhibiting reduced concentrations of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and a decreased response of the pituitary, as measured by the release of bioactive LH, to an exogenous dose of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH). Removal of the reproductive female from the colony results in an elevation of LH and an enhanced response of the pituitary to a GnRH challenge in non‐reproductive females comparable to reproductive females, implying control of reproduction in these individuals by the reproductive female. The Damaraland mole‐rat is an ideal model for investigating the physiological and behavioral mechanisms that regulate the hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis. In contrast, we know less about the control of reproduction at the level of the hypothalamus. The immunohistochemistry of the GnRH system of both reproductive and non‐reproductive female Damaraland mole‐rats has revealed no significant differences with respect to morphology, distribution or numbers of immunoreactive GnRH perikarya. We examined whether the endogenous opioid peptide beta‐endorphin was responsible for the inhibition of the release of the GnRH from the neurons indirectly by measuring LH concentrations in these non‐reproductive females following single, hourly and 8 hourly injections of the opioid antagonist naloxone. The results imply that the endogenous opioid peptide, beta‐endorphin, is not responsible for the inhibition of GnRH release from the perikarya in non‐reproductive females. Preliminary data examining the circulating levels of cortisol also do not support a role for circulating glucocorticoids. The possible role of kisspeptin is discussed.     

The role of kisspeptin and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone in the seasonal regulation of reproduction in sheep

Sheep are seasonal breeders, experiencing an annual period of reproductive quiescence in response to increased photoperiod during the late-winter into spring and renaissance during the late summer. The nonbreeding (anestrous) season is characterized by a reduction in the pulsatile secretion of GnRH from the brain, in part because of an increase in negative feedback activity of estrogen. Neuronal populations in the hypothalamus that produce kisspeptin and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) appear to be important for the seasonal shift in reproductive activity, and the former are also mandatory for puberty onset. Kisspeptin cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and preoptic area appear to regulate GnRH neurons and transmit sex-steroid feedback signals to these neurons. Moreover, kisspeptin expression in the ARC is markedly up-regulated at the onset of the breeding season, as too are the number of kisspeptin fibers in close apposition to GnRH neurons. The lower levels of kisspeptin seen during the nonbreeding season can be "corrected" by infusion of kisspeptin, which causes ovulation in seasonally acyclic females. The role of GnIH is less clear, but mounting evidence supports a role for this neuropeptide in the inhibitory regulation of both GnRH secretion and gonadotropin release from the pituitary gland. Contrary to kisspeptin, GnIH expression is markedly reduced at the onset of the breeding season. In addition, the number of GnIH fibers in close apposition to GnRH neurons also decreases during this time. Importantly, exogenous GnIH treatment can block both the pulsatile release of LH and the preovulatory LH surge during the breeding season. In summary, it is most likely the integrated function of both these neuropeptide systems that modulate the annual shift in photoperiod to a physiological change in fertility.     

Chronic Peripheral Administration of Kappa-Opioid Receptor Antagonist Advances Puberty Onset Associated with Acceleration of Pulsatile Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in Female Rats

Puberty in mammals is timed by an increase in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Previous studies have shown involvement of the two neuropeptides, kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB), in controlling puberty onset. Little is known about the role of the other key neuropeptide, dynorphin, in controlling puberty onset, although these three neuropeptides colocalize in the arcuate kisspeptin neurons. The arcuate kisspeptin neuron, which is also referred to as the KNDy neuron, has recently been considered to play a role as an intrinsic source of the GnRH pulse generator. The present study aimed to determine if attenuation of inhibitory dynorphin-kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) signaling triggers the initiation of puberty in normal developing female rats. The present study also determined if stimulatory NKB-neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) signaling advances puberty onset. Female Wistar-Imamichi rats were weaned and intraperitoneally implanted with osmotic minipumps filled with nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a KOR antagonist, or senktide, a NK3R agonist, at 20 days of age. Fourteen days of intraperitoneal infusion of nor-BNI or senktide advanced puberty onset, manifested as vaginal opening and the first vaginal estrus in female rats. Frequent blood sampling showed that nor-BNI significantly increased luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse frequency at 29 days of age compared with vehicle-treated controls. Senktide tended to increase this frequency, but its effect was not statistically significant. The present results suggest that the inhibitory input of dynorphin-KOR signaling plays a role in the prepubertal restraint of GnRH/LH secretion in normal developing female rats and that attenuation of dynorphin-KOR signaling and increase in NKB-NK3R signaling trigger the onset of puberty in female rats.     

Clinical use of GnRH agonists in canine and feline species

GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing hormone) is a key hormone of reproductive function in mammals; agonist forms have been largely developed, and data concerning their use in small animal reproduction are now abundant. GnRH agonists act by a two-step mechanism. First, their agonist properties on the pituitary will cause marked LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) secretion into the bloodstream, accompanied by an increase in the concentrations of sex steroid hormones. Then, in case of constant administration, GnRH agonists will lead to pituitary desensitization, and FSH and LH levels will collapse. These two effects have been widely documented, and these compounds have many potential benefits in a clinical context, capitalizing both on their stimulating and sterilizing effects.     

大鼠发情周期中主要生殖激素的变化

动物的生殖过程是由生殖激素严格调控的,深入研究生殖激素对畜牧生产具有重要的指导意义。然而发情周期中生殖激素的变化非常复杂,虽然人们在这方面做了许多的研究,但仍有许多问题仍不明了,对许多问题的认识还存在分歧。文章基于最近十几年的研究成果,以大鼠为对象,在综述了促性腺激素释放激素、促卵泡素、促黄体素、雌二醇及孕酮等几种重要的生殖激素的来源、生物学特性的基础上,着重介绍了这几种生殖激素在大鼠发情周期中的变化,并对影响生殖的因素进行了总结。     

哺乳动物下丘脑-垂体-卵巢轴的研究进展

哺乳动物的下丘脑、垂体和卵巢分泌的激素在功能上相互作用,构成一个完整的神经内分泌生殖调节体系,即下丘脑垂体卵巢轴,它在生殖活动中起着主要的调节作用。下丘脑中分布的GnRH神经元可以分泌GnRH,GnRH调节垂体中促性腺激素细胞分泌促性腺激素FSH和LH,促性腺激素作用于卵巢受体,引起雌激素和孕酮分泌并影响生殖活动。从组织学角度上研究,下丘脑垂体卵巢轴中的结构,如GnRH神经元、促性腺激素细胞、卵泡随周期性变化而呈现出不同的形态结构和分泌特点。因此,对以上各种细胞的研究是探讨其所分泌激素的基础,而下丘脑垂体卵巢轴中的各种激素的研究则是了解和控制动物繁殖机能的关键。     

促性腺激素释放激素及其类似物在母猪繁殖中应用的研究进展

促性腺激素释放激素(gonadotropin-releasing hormone,GnRH))是下丘脑分泌的生殖激素,主要通过下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴参与调控动物的生殖活动,也可直接作用于性腺或其他器官发挥重要功能。哺乳动物的GnRH具有相同的十肽结构,通过改变十肽结构中第六、九、十位氨基酸可合成不同的GnRH类似物。GnRH及其类似物可通过刺激促黄体素(LH)分泌、抑制雌激素受体二聚化及调节胚胎附植期相关蛋白质的合成来影响动物的繁殖性能。GnRH及其类似物已被证明可提高猪的繁殖力。在母猪生产中,GnRH类似物的应用仍存在受胎次影响、促进排卵但不能增加产仔数等问题。文章主要从GnRH的来源与功能、GnRH及其类似物的结构、GnRH受体(GnRHR)的结构与功能、GnRH及其类似物对母猪繁殖性能的影响,以及存在的问题与展望五方面介绍了GnRH及其类似物在母猪繁殖中的应用研究进展。     

生殖激素对禽类卵泡细胞凋亡的影响

从禽类生殖内分泌角度出发，依据近年来国内外的科学研究资料系统地综述了促性腺激素释放激素（Gonadotropin releasing hormone，GnRH）、促卵泡激素（Folicle-stimulating hormone，FSH）、雌激素（estrogen），孕激素（progestin）、促乳素（（Prolactin，PRL），褪黑素（Mel）、抑制素（Inhibin，IB）对禽类卵泡细胞凋亡的调控，为研究禽类繁殖性能及生殖毒理机制提供科学理论参考。     

The control of adenohypophysial hormone secretion by amino acids and peptides in swine

Several different amino acids and peptides control secretion of adenohypophysial hormones and this control may be indirect, via the modulation of hypothalamic hormone secretion. Indeed, classical hypothalamic hormones (e.g., gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH], growth hormone-releasing hormone [GHRH], somatostatin, etc.) may be released into the hypothalamo-hypophysial portal vasculature, travel to the adenohypophysis and there stimulate or inhibit secretion of hormones. Alternatively, some amino acids and peptides exert direct stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the adenohypophysis, thereby impacting hormone secretion. In swine, the most extensively studied modulators of adenohypophysial hormone secretion are the excitatory amino acids (ExAA), namely glutamate and aspartate, and the endogenous opioid peptides (EOP). In general, excitatory amino acids stimulate release of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL). Secretion of adenohypophysial hormones induced by ExAA is primarily, but perhaps not exclusively, a consequence of action at the central nervous system. By acting primarily at the level of the central nervous system, EOP inhibit LH secretion, stimulate GH release and depending on the animal model studied, exert either stimulatory or inhibitory influences on PRL secretion. However, the EOP also inhibited LH release by direct action on the adenohypophysis. More recently, peptides such as neuropeptide-Y (NPY), orexin-B, ghrelin, galanin, and substance P have been evaluated for possible roles in controlling adenohypophysial hormone secretion in swine. For example, NPY, orexin-B, and ghrelin increased basal GH secretion and modulated the GH response to GHRH, at least in part, by direct action on the adenohypophysis. Secretion of LH was stimulated by orexin-B, galanin, and substance P from porcine pituitary cells in vitro. Because the ExAA and various peptides modulate secretion of adenohypophysial hormones, these compounds may play an important role in regulating swine growth and reproduction.     

Kisspeptin as a master player in the central control of reproduction in mammals: An overview of kisspeptin research in domestic animals

The hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis is the regulatory system for reproduction in mammals. Because secretion of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) into the portal vessels is the final step at which the brain controls gonadal activities, the GnRH neuronal system had been thought to be central to the HPG axis. A newly discovered neural peptide, kisspeptin, has opened a new era in reproductive neuroendocrinology. As shown in a variety of mammals, kisspeptin is a potent endogenous secretagogue of GnRH, and the kisspeptin neuronal system governs both the pulsatile GnRH secretion that drives folliculogenesis, spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and the GnRH surge that triggers ovulation in females. The kisspeptin neuronal system is therefore considered a master player in the central control of mammalian reproduction, and kisspeptin and related substances could therefore be valuable for the development of novel strategies for the management of fertility in farm animals. To this end, the present review aimed to summarize the current research on kisspeptin signaling with a focus on domestic animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, pigs and horses.     

鸽GnIH和GnRH基因克隆及其在不同繁殖阶段下丘脑中的表达

为研究促性腺激素抑制激素（gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone,GnIH）和促性腺激素释放激素（gonadotropin-releasing hormone,GnRH）基因在鸽繁殖不同阶段下丘脑组织中的表达变化,探讨GnIH和GnRH基因与鸽繁殖调控之间的关系,本研究以鸽cDNA为模板扩增GnIH和GnRH基因CDS区序列并进行克隆测序,采用实时荧光定量PCR技术检测了产蛋前、产蛋后及哺乳期鸽下丘脑组织中GnIH和GnRH基因mRNA表达水平。序列分析结果表明,鸽GnIH基因CDS区全长522 bp,已提交GenBank,登录号：MG589638,编码173个氨基酸,与已知其他鸟类GnIH同源性达85%以上;鸽GnRH基因CDS区全长276 bp,已提交GenBank,登录号：MG589639,编码91个氨基酸,与已知其他鸟类GnRH同源性达80%以上。鸽GnIH前体包含1个GnIH和2个GnIH相关肽（GnIH-RP-1、GnIH-RP-2）,具有典型的"LPXRF"基序;GnRH前体包含1个信号肽、1个GnRH和1个GnRH相关肽（GAP）。实时荧光定量PCR结果表明,产蛋前鸽下丘脑中GnIH基因表达量最高,且极显著高于产蛋后和哺育期（P<0.01）;产蛋后鸽下丘脑中GnRH基因表达量最高,且极显著高于产蛋前和哺育期（P<0.01）;产蛋前鸽下丘脑中GnIH基因表达量极显著高于GnRH基因（P<0.01）,而产蛋后和哺育期鸽下丘脑中GnRH基因表达量极显著或显著高于GnIH基因（P<0.01;P<0.05）。结果表明,GnIH和GnRH基因的表达与母鸽不同繁殖阶段的转变有关,为进一步研究鸽繁殖分子机制奠定基础。     

Orexin‐B‐like immunoreactivity in pituitary αMSH‐producing cells and median eminence GnRH‐containing fibres of the flat‐tailed house gecko

We examined the distribution of the orexin‐like peptides in the pituitary and median eminence of the flat‐tailed house gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) using immunohistochemistry. Orexin‐B‐like, but not orexin‐A‐like, immunoreactivity was detected in the pituitary, specifically in the pars intermedia, and these cells corresponded to alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (αMSH)‐producing cells. Orexin‐B and αMSH secreted from pars intermedia may modulate secretion of adenohypophyseal cells in the pars distalis. In the median eminence, orexin‐B‐immunoreactive puncta and fibres were observed, and these structures corresponded to gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐immunoreactive puncta and fibres. Orexin‐B secreted from GnRH‐containing neurons in the hypothalamus may affect thyrotropin‐releasing hormone‐containing neurons resulting in modulation of αMSH secretion of melanotrophs in the pars intermedia.     

促性腺激素细胞的研究进展

哺乳类和鱼类的促性腺激素(GTH)细胞都是位于腺垂体,所分泌的激素有促卵泡激素(FSH)和促黄体素(LH),促卵泡激素可以促成卵细胞和精子的生成,而促黄体素可以促进孕酮和睾酮的产生,关于促性腺激素细胞的来源有三种假说,在所有的对促性腺激素细胞调节控制的因素中,最重要的是促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH)。文章从促性腺激素细胞的定位、功能、源泉细胞,以及对其调节控制等方面的研究进展作一综述,以期为在实践中加强对动物生殖规律的人工调控提供参考。     

瘦素在动物繁殖上的研究进展

瘦素（ｌｅｐｔｉｎ）是１４６个氨基酸组成的分子量为１４６ｋＤａ的多肽,由脂肪细胞所分泌。瘦素作为内分泌因子,通过阿片促黑激素皮质素原（ＰＯＭＣ）和神经多肽Ｙ（ＮＰＹ）影响丘脑下部（ＧｎＲＨ）释放,从而影响着生殖激素的产生和释放,动物初情期的发动伴随着瘦素水平的不断提高,成年动物繁殖功能的维持也有赖于瘦素发挥作用。瘦素对性腺和垂体的作用机理尚不明确。     

Control of reproductive processes by growth hormone: extra- and intracellular mechanisms

Recent data on the association between growth hormone (GH) and male and female reproductive processes, as well as the effects of GH on these processes and on some reproductive and non-reproductive disorders, and possible extra- and intracellular mediators of its action are reviewed. The available data suggest that GH is an important endocrine and autocrine/paracrine regulator of reproduction. It controls proliferation, apoptosis, growth and differentiation and the secretory and generative activities of different reproductive organs. It also regulates their response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropins. Despite the effects of GH on the IGF/IGFBP (insulin-like growth factor binding protein) system, oxytocin, steroids, activin, gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptors, the majority of GH's actions on the reproductive processes are probably mediated not by these substances but by specific GH receptors acting through cAMP/protein kinase A, protein kinase G, tyrosine kinase-, MAP kinase and CDC2 kinase-dependent intracellular mechanisms. Although GH treatments can increase the risk of some reproductive and non-reproductive disorders, they may be useful in improving gonadal function, inducing superovulation and in embryo production.     

Neuroendocrine control of reproductive function in ruminants

Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key molecule in the control of reproduction in mammals. It is generally thought that the secretion of GnRH into the pituitary portal vessels is governed by two distinct neural mechanisms: the pulsatile and surge mode centers. The former is called the GnRH pulse generator, and this neural substrate plays a role as the master regulator of the reproductive function. An electrophysiological technique for monitoring the neural activity of the GnRH pulse generator has been established in the Shiba goat. The central actions of several neuropeptides have been assessed using this system. Results suggest that several neuropeptides including neuropeptide Y, cholecystokinin‐octapeptide and melanocortins are involved in the regulation of the GnRH pulse generator activity in the goat. Each input of those neuropeptides likely represents a unique mechanism conveying specific information about changes in the internal and external environments such as olfactory signals, nutrition, stress, and steroidal milieu, to the GnRH pulse generator. Further elucidations of actions of neurotransmitters on the GnRH pulse generator may serve for better understanding of the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in the ruminant.