REVIEW: Role of Kisspeptin in Regulation of Reproductive and Immune Reactions

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O. L. Gorbunova^1,a* and S. V. Shirshev¹

¹Perm Federal Research Center, Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 614081 Perm, Russia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received February 17, 2020; Revised June 9, 2020; Accepted June 14, 2020

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The work is focused on physiological role of the hormone kisspeptin produced by neurons of the hypothalamus anterior zone, which is a key regulator of reproduction processes. Role of the hormone in transmission of information on metabolic activity and induction of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus that determines gestation processes involving fertilization, placentation, fetal development, and child birth is considered. The literature data on molecular mechanisms and effects of kisspeptin on reproductive system including puberty initiation are summarized and analyzed. In addition, attention is paid to hormone-mediated changes in the cardiovascular system in pregnant women. For the first time, the review examines the effect of kisspeptin on functional activity of immune system cells presenting molecular mechanisms of the hormone signal transduction on the level of lymphoid cells that lead to the immune tolerance induction. In conclusion, a conceptual model is presented that determines the role of kisspeptin as an integrator of reproductive and immune functions during pregnancy.

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KEY WORDS: kisspeptin, pregnancy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, immune tolerance

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297920080015

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