Abstract
Introduction: Kisspeptin has a multidirectional neuroendocrinal activity. It is especially considered
to be a central regulator of reproductive function. Numerous data proved that neuroleptic
administration may affect the peptidergic signaling in the various brain structures.
However, there is no information concerning the relationship between treatment with
neuroleptics and brain kisspeptin mRNA expression.
Methods: We assessed the kisspeptin mRNA level in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of rats
shortly and chronically (28 days) treated with haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and olanzapine
using a quantitative Real-Time PCR method.
Results: We have shown that all studied neuroleptics injected chronically have the ability
to downregulate the kisspeptin mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, which may suggest
the presence of an alternative mechanism for their orexigenic side effects. Long-term
treatment with chlorpromazine increased the level of kisspeptin mRNA expression in
the hippocampus.
Discussion: Our results shed a new light on the pharmacology of antipsychotics and may contribute
to a better understanding of alternative mechanisms responsible for their action.
The study also highlights a complex nature of potential connections between dopamine
transmission and brain kisspeptin pathways.
Key words
kisspeptin - neuroleptics - hypothalamus - hippocampus