Expression of Apelin and Apelin Receptor Protein in the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis during the Estrous Cycle of Mice

Abstract

Plain Language SummaryIn the current study, we explore the presence of apelin and its receptor in hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary of mice during estrous cycle. Apelin system changes at different level of reproductive axis during reproductive phase of female mice. Apelin inhibits gonadotropin secretion from pituitary. During the estrous cycle, the apelin system’s pattern changed in a tissue-dependent manner along the HPO axis. According to our research and evidence from earlier studies, apelin may have an inhibitory effect on pituitary and hypothalamic activities and a stimulatory effect on ovarian function.