Research Compendium/Kisspeptin
LadiesResearch OnlyNot For Human Consumption

Kisspeptin

Kisspexa · KP-10 · Metastin

GnRH pulse regulator and reproductive neuroendocrine peptide - critical for ovarian function, LH pulsatility, and female hormonal axis research.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Kisspeptin is a 54-amino acid neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene (originally characterised as a metastasis suppressor). Its central role in reproductive endocrinology was discovered when KISS1R mutations were found to cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus (particularly the arcuate nucleus) generate the GnRH pulse signal - the master driver of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. KP-10 is the C-terminal 10 amino acid active fragment. Applications span infertility research, polycystic ovary syndrome, endocrine disruption models, and more recently, sexual arousal pathway research.

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

  • GnRH pulse regulation and HPG axis research
  • Female infertility and anovulation models
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) research
  • LH pulsatility and luteal phase support
  • Reproductive neuroendocrinology - kisspeptin neuron biology

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

GnRH Pulse Initiation

2003

IV kisspeptin infusion in hypogonadal women and men reliably triggered LH pulses - confirming its role as the master GnRH pulse generator, with clinical implications for fertility treatment.

Ref: Seminara et al., NEJM

PCOS Selective GnRH Effect

2014

Kisspeptin stimulated LH in PCOS women without triggering the exaggerated LH surge seen with GnRH - proposing selective neuroendocrine modulation for PCOS fertility protocols.

Ref: Jayasena et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab

RESEARCH PROTOCOL NOTES

Research dosesKP-10: 0.1–0.4 nmol/kg bolus IV or SC in clinical studies
Research contextFertility clinics exploring kisspeptin as alternative to hCG for IVF triggering
Available formatsVial (5mg - UPA Kisspeptin), Pen (Kisspexa - iPharma)

Chemical Identity

Molecular FormulaC63H83N17O14S
Molecular Weight1302.5 g/mol (KP-10)
CAS Number374683-24-6
Half-Life (t½)~30 minutes (KP-10 in plasma)

Storage & Stability

Lyophilised: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, 14 days. Handle gently - fragile peptide.

Regulatory Status

Research compound. Not approved as drug. Used in IVF research protocols at UK fertility clinics (non-regulatory). Not WADA prohibited. SAHPRA: unscheduled research.

Back to Research CompendiumView Research Compounds →