Kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus fire in synchrony with GnRH pulses. What is the principal role of kisspeptin in the reproductive axis?

• A It acts as the key upstream stimulator of GnRH pulse generation and mediates sex steroid feedback to GnRH neurons ✓
• B It directly stimulates the anterior pituitary to release LH
• C It inhibits GnRH release during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
• D It stimulates FSH secretion specifically during the follicular phase

Explanation

Kisspeptin, acting via GPR54 receptors on GnRH neurons, is the dominant upstream activator of GnRH pulsatility and the critical mediator through which sex steroids (both negative feedback in arcuate nucleus and positive feedback via anteroventral periventricular nucleus) regulate GnRH release. Loss of function mutations in kisspeptin or GPR54 cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Kisspeptin does not directly release LH from the pituitary.

Reference: Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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