Abstract
RF amide-related peptide 3 (RFRP-3) is a reproductive inhibitor and an endogenous orexigenic neuropeptide that may be involved in energy homeostasis. In this study, we evaluated the effect of acute or chronic RFRP-3 treatment (administered via intraperitoneal injection) on the food intake, meal microstructure and weight of rats, as well as the mechanism through which RFRP-3 is involved in glucose metabolism in the pancreas and glucose disposal tissues of rat in vivo. Our results showed that the intraperitoneal administration of RFRP-3 to rats resulted in marked body mass increased, hyperphagia, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, hypoinsulinism, hyperglucagon, and insulin resistance, as well as significant increases in the size of pancreatic islets and the inflammatory reaction. Thus, we strongly assert that RFRP-3 as a novel neuroendocrine regulator involved in blood glucose homeostasis.
Highlights
Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was the first avian RFamide peptide identified that directly acts on the pituitary to inhibit gonadotropin release from the quail hypothalamus [1]
The results showed that the expression and secretion of insulin were significantly inhibited, accompanied by significantly elevated glucagon expression and secretion resulting from chronic RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) treatment (Figures 6F–H)
RFRP-3 is well-known for its crucial role in the regulation of the reproductive axis [1, 18], but in light of accumulating data, it has emerged as a novel orexigenic neuropeptide that affects feeding and is potentially involved in energy metabolism [19]
Summary
Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was the first avian RFamide peptide identified that directly acts on the pituitary to inhibit gonadotropin release from the quail hypothalamus [1]. Reproduction is highly sensitive to changes in the metabolic status and energy reserves of an organism, and adverse metabolic conditions are commonly associated with defective reproductive capacity [6]. In this context, studies focusing on the reproductive functions of the RFRP-3 system have noted a potential role for RFRP-3 in appetite regulation [7, 8]. Exogenous administration of GnIH/RFRP-3 was shown to potently stimulate food intake in chickens and rats [9, 10] This evidence for a regulatory role of RFRP-3 in reproduction and appetite suggests that this neuropeptide may be important for the integration of energy balance and reproductive function. Unequivocal evidence for such a role is largely speculative, and the physiological mechanisms by which RFRP-3 affects energy homeostasis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
