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Médecine de la Reproduction

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Kisspeptin/GPR54: a master player in the control of reproduction Volume 10, issue 2, Mars-Avril 2008

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UMR 6175 Inra-Cnrs-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France

The recent discovery of the role play by the kisspeptine/GPR54 system on the gonadotropin axis is among the most important ones in the field of the biology of reproduction for the last 30 years. Both human and mice can’t reach pubertal development when they have a mutation of the GRP54 receptor and are infertile. Kisspeptin, the ligand of this receptor, plays a major role in the steroid feedback control of GnRH secretion and appears involved in all transitional steps of reproductive life. There is compelling evidence that this molecule can also acts at pituitary and gonadal level. Kisspeptin also appears to be a link between metabolism and reproduction. Using kisspeptin to manipulate the gonadotropin axis offers a very promising avenue. Peripheral (iv) administration of kisspeptin greatly stimulates gonadotropin secretion in animals and human. In the ewe, kisspeptin administration allowed to synchronized ovulation within one hour during the breeding season or to induce cyclicity and ovulation in animal during the anestrous season. The discovery of the Kisspeptin/GPR54 system, certainly offers a novel means for the treatment of fertility problems in animals and human such as precocious or delayed puberty, infertility of central origin or linked to the metabolism.