FemaleKiss

The kisspeptin (Kiss) signaling pathway, mediated by the Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1R), plays a central role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, having critical implications for the onset of puberty, reproductive function, and sexual behaviors. Emerging evidence suggests that kisspeptin signaling during the neonatal period is essential for the normal development of reproductive function and affectivebehaviors in adulthood. Despite this, the long-term effects of early disturbance of Kiss signaling remain largely unexplored. Building on previous findings from our research group, which demonstrated that neonatal inhibition of Kiss signaling alters juvenile social behavior and adult sexual behavior, this study investigates whether early-life disruption impairs female-specific behavior. We specifically explore how such disruption affect puberty onset, estrous cyclicity, maternal behavior and sexual motivation in female rats. To this end, we will pharmacologically inhibit kisspeptin signaling via cisterna magna administration of the kisspeptin receptor 1 (Kiss1R) antagonist in neonatal rats (P0). The following study will be divided into three tasks. We will first assess how early inhibition of the Kiss1 receptor affects the maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis by evaluating hormonal profiles, puberty onset, and estrous cycle (Task 1). Next, we intend to investigate the long-term impact of this intervention on fertility, pregnancy, and maternal behavior (Task 2). Finally, we intended to explore whether the changes in maternal care induced by early Kiss disruption affect the neurodevelopment of offspring (Task 3). Our goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying reproductive and emotional disorders in females.

2025-2026