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Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a key inhibitory neurotransmitter that has been implicated in the aetiology of common mood and behavioural disorders. By employing proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in man, we demonstrate that administration of the reproductive neuropeptide, kisspeptin, robustly decreases GABA levels in the limbic system of the human brain; specifically the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This finding defines a novel kisspeptin-activated GABA pathway in man, and provides important mechanistic insights into the mood and behaviour-altering effects of kisspeptin seen in rodents and humans. In addition, this work has therapeutic implications as it identifies GABA-signalling as a potential target for the escalating development of kisspeptin-based therapies for common reproductive disorders of body and mind.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105244

Type

Journal article

Journal

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Publication Date

26/04/2021

Volume

129

Keywords

Anterior cingulate cortex, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Kisspeptin, Limbic system, Reproductive behaviour, Sexual behaviour