Short-term alcohol administration alters KiSS-1 gene expression in the reproductive hypothalamus of prepubertal female rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Kisspeptins bind to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR54) to activate hypothalamic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion at the time of puberty. Alcohol (ALC) causes depressed prepubertal LHRH release, resulting in depressed luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and delayed puberty. Because KiSS-1 and GPR54 are important to the onset of puberty, we assessed the effects of chronic ALC administration on basal expression of these puberty-related genes within the reproductive hypothalamus, as well as hormones and transduction signaling pathways contributing to their activity.

Methods

Immature female rats were fed a liquid diet containing ALC for 6 days beginning when 27 days old. Controls received either companion isocaloric liquid diet or rat chow and

SUBMITTER: Srivastava VK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2950647 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature