The Role of RFRP Neurons in the Allostatic Control of Reproductive Function

Reproductive function is critical for species survival; however, it is energetically costly and physically demanding. Reproductive suppression is therefore a physiologically appropriate adaptation to certain ecological, environmental, and/or temporal conditions. This ‘allostatic’ suppression of fert...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular sciences 2023-11, Vol.24 (21), p.15851
Main Authors: Evans, Maggie C, Anderson, Greg M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ablation
Females
Fertility
Gonadotropin
Infertility
Males
Mediation
Neurons
Peptides
Physiology
Pituitary hormones
Puberty
reproduction
RFRP neurons
RFRP-3
seasonal breeding
stress
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Summary:Reproductive function is critical for species survival; however, it is energetically costly and physically demanding. Reproductive suppression is therefore a physiologically appropriate adaptation to certain ecological, environmental, and/or temporal conditions. This ‘allostatic’ suppression of fertility enables individuals to accommodate unfavorable reproductive circumstances and safeguard survival. The mechanisms underpinning this reproductive suppression are complex, yet culminate with the reduced secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, which in turn suppresses gonadotropin release from the pituitary, thereby impairing gonadal function. The focus of this review will be on the role of RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) neurons in different examples of allostatic reproductive suppression. RFRP neurons release the RFRP-3 peptide, which negatively regulates GnRH neurons and thus appears to act as a ‘brake’ on the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. In a multitude of predictable (e.g., pre-puberty, reproductive senescence, and seasonal or lactational reproductive quiescence) and unpredictable (e.g., metabolic, immune and/or psychosocial stress) situations in which GnRH secretion is suppressed, the RFRP neurons have been suggested to act as modulators. This review examines evidence for and against these roles.
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms242115851