Kisspeptin inhibits a slow afterhyperpolarization current via protein kinase C and reduces spike frequency adaptation in GnRH neurons

Kisspeptin signaling via its cognate receptor G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons plays a critical role in regulating pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone and thus reproductive function. GPR54 is G(q)-coupled to activation of phospholipase C and multiple second messenger signaling pathways. Previous studies have shown that kisspeptin potently depolarizes GnRH neurons through the activation of canonical transient receptor potential channels and inhibition of inwardly rectifying K(+) channels to generate sustained firing. Since the initial studies showing that kisspeptin has prolonged effects, the question has been why is there very little spike frequency adaption during sustained firing? Presently, we have discovered that kisspeptin reduces spike frequency adaptation and prolongs firing via the inhibition of a calcium-activated slow afterhyperpolarization current (I(sAHP)). GnRH neurons expressed two distinct I(sAHP), a kisspeptin-sensitive and an apamin-sensitive I(sAHP). Essentially, kisspeptin inhibited 50% of the I(sAHP) and apamin inhibited the other 50% of the current. Furthermore, the kisspeptin-mediated inhibition of I(sAHP) was abrogated by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C, and the PKC activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate mimicked and occluded any further effects of kisspeptin on I(sAHP). The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors H-89 and the Rp diastereomer of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate had no effect on the kisspeptin-mediated inhibition but were able to abrogate the inhibitory effects of forskolin on the I(sAHP), suggesting that PKA is not involved. Therefore, in addition to increasing the firing rate through an overt depolarization, kisspeptin can also facilitate sustained firing through inhibiting an apamin-insensitive I(sAHP) in GnRH neurons via a PKC.