Abstract:

Objective   To investigate expressions of hypothalamic KISS-1 and G protein-couple receptor 54 (GPR54) genes in female rats with precocious puberty and their effects on development of precocious puberty. Methods   Fifty 26-day-old female rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, the first experimental group, the second experimental group, the first control group, the second control group, and the third control group. Experimental groups received a subcutaneous injection of N-methyl-DL-aspartate acid (NMA) twice a day until vaginal opening (VO) occurred, while control groups received normal saline. Parameters of puberty were analyzed, including the day of VO, estrous cycle of the rat, index of the ovary, index of the uterus, incidence of the corpora lutea, thickness of the uterus and serum luteinizing hormone(LH). Expressions of hypothalamic KISS1 and GPR54 genes in the five groups were detected by Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time RT-PCR). Results   The age of VO and first diestrus in experimental groups were earlier than in control groups(P<0.05). All parameters of puberty gradually increased with the development of puberty(P<0.05). In the same puberty developmental stage, parameters in experimental groups were not different from those in control groups (P>0.05). Conclusion   Expressions of KISS-1 and GPR54 genes are associated with developmental stages of puberty, indicating that KISS-1 and GPR54 genes may play important roles in onset and development of true precocious puberty.

Key words: Puberty； Precocious puberty； Genes， KISS-1；Genes， G protein-couple receptor 54