Activation of ionotropic and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors stimulates kisspeptin neuron activity in mice.

Different populations of hypothalamic kisspeptin (KISS1) neurons located in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) are thought to generate the sex-specific patterns of gonadotropin secretion. These neuronal populations integrate gonadal sex steroid feedback with internal and external cues relayed via the actions of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. The excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, plays a role in regulating gonadotropin secretion, at least partially through engaging KISS1 signaling.