Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons as a Target for Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Recordings

Autor(es)

Silva, Josiane do Nascimento ; Zampieri, Thais T. ; Vieira, Henrique R. ; Frazao, Renata

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS; v. N/A, n. 193, p. 21-pg., 2023-03-01.

Resumo

Kisspeptins are essential for the maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and fertility. Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons located in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and rostral periventricular nucleus, as well as the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, project to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, among other cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that kisspeptin signaling occurs through the Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1r), ultimately exciting GnRH neuron activity. In humans and experimental animal models, kisspeptins are sufficient for inducing GnRH secretion and, consequently, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulant hormone (FSH) release. Since kisspeptins play an essential role in reproductive functions, researchers are working to assess how the intrinsic activity of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons contributes to reproduction-related actions and identify the primary neurotransmitters/neuromodulators capable of changing these properties. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique has become a valuable tool for investigating kisspeptin neuron activity in rodent cells. This experimental technique allows researchers to record and measure spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory ionic currents, resting membrane potential, action potential firing, and other electrophysiological properties of cell membranes. In the present study, crucial aspects of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, known as electrophysiological measurements that define hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons, and a discussion of relevant issues about the technique, are reviewed. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 15/20198-5 - Papel da leptina na neuromodulação puberal
• Beneficiário: Thais Tessari Zampieri
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 21/11551-4 - Estudo dos circuitos hipotalâmicos que regulam o metabolismo e o sistema endócrino
• Beneficiário: Josiane do Nascimento Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado