Kisspeptin-10
Kisspeptin-10
Also known as: KP-10
A reproductive neuropeptide that triggers the body's own GnRH release, studied for fertility, hypogonadism, and sexual response.
Overview
Kisspeptin-10 is a fragment of the kisspeptin hormone that sits upstream of GnRH and is a master trigger of the reproductive hormone axis. Human research has explored it for stimulating natural reproductive hormone release in fertility treatment, in hypogonadism, and for effects on sexual and emotional brain responses. It is investigational and not approved.
Mechanism of action
Activates kisspeptin receptors on GnRH neurons, prompting the body's own release of GnRH and downstream reproductive hormones.
Key studies & citations
- Human2011
Kisspeptin-10 is a potent stimulator of LH and increases pulse frequency in men
IV bolus kisspeptin-10 tripled LH in healthy men within 30 minutes; a 22.5-hour infusion raised LH and testosterone and increased LH pulse frequency.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism - Human2005
Kisspeptin-54 stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis in human males
First human kisspeptin study: a 90-minute infusion significantly raised LH, FSH and testosterone in six men.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism - Human2014
Kisspeptin-54 triggers egg maturation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization
A single kisspeptin-54 injection induced an LH surge and egg maturation in 53 IVF patients, with embryo transfer in 92%.
Journal of Clinical Investigation - Human2017
Kisspeptin modulates sexual and emotional brain processing in humans
In 29 healthy men, kisspeptin enhanced limbic responses to sexual and couple-bonding images and reduced negative mood versus vehicle.
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Frequently asked questions
How does kisspeptin differ from gonadorelin?
Kisspeptin acts one step earlier, prompting the body to release its own GnRH, whereas gonadorelin is GnRH itself given directly.