Description
Kisspeptin-10 is a 10-amino-acid neuropeptide (the active C-terminal fragment of the larger kisspeptin family encoded by the KISS1 gene).
It is the most potent known physiological stimulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the hypothalamus. By binding to the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor, it triggers pulsatile GnRH release, which in turn stimulates the pituitary to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This activates the downstream reproductive axis, increasing sex hormone production (testosterone in men, estrogen/progesterone in women).
Kisspeptin-10 is studied and used in research for reproductive endocrinology, fertility (including as an ovulation trigger in IVF), delayed puberty, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
