Female sexual behavior in mice is controlled by kisspeptin neurons

Abstract

Pheromones play a crucial role to identify potential mates and sexual motivation in mice. These molecules are detected by a specialized circuit which initiates in the nasal septum and then relies on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus in a sex-dependent manner. Female pheromones induce LH/testosterone release in male mice whereas male pheromones induce LH release in female mice. Kisspeptin is a potent stimulator of GnRH release. Its expression is sexually dimorphic in the hypothalamus, and it is the relay of the negative feedback of sexual steroids on GnRH neurons. In addition, the same group recently showed that a specific population of Kisspeptin neurons located in the anterior part of the hypothalamus of female mice are activated by male pheromones. These neurons were therefore natural candidates as a hub to control both sexual behavior and ovulation.