2012
Effects of Leptin and Melanocortin Signaling Interactions on Pubertal Development and Reproduction
Israel DD, Sheffer-Babila S, de Luca C, Jo YH, Liu SM, Xia Q, Spergel DJ, Dun SL, Dun NJ, Chua SC. Effects of Leptin and Melanocortin Signaling Interactions on Pubertal Development and Reproduction. Endocrinology 2012, 153: 2408-2419. PMID: 22408174, PMCID: PMC3381095, DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1822.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGnRH neuron activityNeuron activityGnRH neuronsFemale db/db miceDb/db miceMelanocortin 4 receptor activationNeuropeptides neuropeptide YAgouti-related peptideAction potential firingEffects of leptinC-fos expressionMelanocortin-4 receptorInitiation of pubertyHypothalamic hypogonadismDb miceNeuropeptide YMelanocortin agonistsLeptin receptorReceptor activationPubertal developmentΑ-MSHPubertal onsetMelanocortinLeptinDownstream mediator
2007
Calcium and Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons before, during, and after Puberty
Spergel DJ. Calcium and Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons before, during, and after Puberty. Endocrinology 2007, 148: 2383-2390. PMID: 17289846, PMCID: PMC3315592, DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-1693.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAdult GnRH neuronsSK channel expressionGnRH neuronsGnRH secretionSK currentPubertal increaseGnRH-green fluorescent protein transgenic miceChannel expressionSmall-conductance calcium-activated potassium channelsGonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronsSK channel blocker apaminCalcium-activated potassium channelsCytoplasmic freeChannel blocker apaminExcitatory synaptic inputsWhole-cell techniqueSK channel subtypesHormone neuronsBlocker apaminKisspeptin stimulationChannel blockersSK channelsBrain slicesChannel subtypesSynaptic inputs