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HEREDITAS ›› 2012, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (3): 281-288.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1005.2012.00281

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The neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms of mammalian seasonal reproduction

LAI Ping1, WANG Ping-Qing1, ZHANG Bao-Yun1, CHU Ming-Xing2, LIU Chong-Xu1, TAN Ying1, FAN Qi1   

  1. 1. Bioengineering Institute of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China 2. The Key Laboratory of Domestic Animal Genetic Resources and Germplasm Innovation of CAAS, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
  • Received:2011-06-23 Revised:2011-08-30 Online:2012-03-20 Published:2012-03-25

Abstract: The seasonal reproduction of mammal means the reproduction experiences an annual period from quiescence to renaissance. Studies have shown that kisspeptin and RFRP play an important role in the reproductive seasonality. The non-breeding season is characterized by an increase in the negative feedback effect of estrogen on GnRH, and this effect is transmitted by kisspeptin neurons, which may be an important factor affecting the reproduction activities. The expression of RFRP depends on melatonin secretion, and shows an apparent inhibition on reproduction in non-breeding season. In addition, thyroid hormones influence termination of the breeding season. Dopaminergic neuron A14/A15 also contributes to the seasonal changes in estrogen negative feedback. These neural systems may synergistically modulate the seasonal changes of reproductive function with the photoperiod. This review makes a systematic expatiation on the relationship between sea-sonal reproduction and these neural systems.

Key words: seasonal reproduction, kisspeptin, RFRP, thyroid hormones, dopaminergic neurons A14/A15