Central Mechanisms of Kisspeptin-10 in Stress-Induced Reproductive Dysfunctions

Emotional stress disrupts not only mental, but also reproductive health, accompanied by hormonal disruptions that are difficult to correct. Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide that regulates the reproductive system through its effect on hypothalamic-pituitary mechanisms. In this work, the effect of kisspeptin-10 on the activity of the kisspeptin-gonadoliberin system in male rats (Rattus norvegicus) was studied in modeling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 42 Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups and subjected to restrictive or vital stresses. Kisspeptin-10 was administered intranasally or intraperitoneally. The content of a number of neuropeptides and their receptors in the hypothalamus and amygdala was assessed by ELISA. Kisspeptin-10 increased the levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, kisspeptin and its receptor in the brain. Its activating effect on the level of androgen receptors was revealed mainly in the hypothalamus. The results obtained indicate a central mechanism of action of kisspeptin-10, independent of sex steroids, and demonstrate its potential in the treatment of stress-induced sexual dysfunctions.