Kisspeptin Receptor Agonist (FTM080) Increased Plasma Concentrations of Luteinizing Hormone in Anestrous Ewes

Kisspeptin (KP) and the KP receptor (Kiss1r) are integral to central regulation of the gonadotropic-axis. The demonstration that intravenous infusion of KP can stimulate gonadotropin secretion and ovulation in seasonally anestrous female sheep offers a means of manipulating the reproductive axis. However, KP may be of limited clinical use because of the short circulating half-life. Kiss1r agonists with increased half-life and similar efficacy to KP in vitro potentially may provide beneficial applications in breeding management of many species. However, many of these agonists have not been tested in vivo. This study was designed to test and compare the effects of a Kiss1r agonist (FTM080) and KP on luteinizing hormone (LH) in vivo. [...]