Abstract
Kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) are known to affect GnRH/luteinizing hormone (LH) in several species, including the rat. It has been hypothesized that GnRH/LH changes during the rat estrous cycle may result from changes in the expression of KiSS1 and RFRP-3 genes. Therefore, the present study investigates KiSS1 and RFRP-3 gene expression at the transcriptional level in the rat hypothalamus during the estrous cycle. In the present experimental study, 36 adult f emale Sprague-Dawley rats (3-4 months old) were used to study the expression of KiSS1 and RFRP-3 mRNA in the hypothalamus during the estrous cycle. Four rats were ovariectomized, whereas the remainder were allotted to four different phases of the estrous cycle (n=8 per estrus phase). Rats were decapitated, and the hypothalami were immediately dissected and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Expressions of KiSS1 and RFRP-3 mRNAs were analyzed by real-time PCR. The expression of KiSS1 mRNA during estrus was lower than other phases of the cycle (p<0.01). Expression of KiSS1 mRNA during the metestrus phase was lower than the proestrus phase (p<0.01). The expression of RFRP-3 mRNA during proestrus was lower than the diestrus phase (p<0.01). Results of the present study showed the role of coordinated expression of KiSS1 and RFRP-3 mRNA in the hypothalamus in the control of the rat estrous cycle.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 304-309 |
Number of pages | 0 |
Journal | International Journal of Fertility and Sterility |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2013 |