Figure 4. Schematic representation of the hierarchical inputs from PMV^PACAP neurons to AVPV/PeN and ARC Kiss1 neurons.

Briefly, PMV^PACAP neurons regulate reproductive function by directly modulating subpopulations of AVPV/PeN^kisspeptin and caudal ARC^kisspeptin neurons, which leads to the regulation of the preovulatory GnRH/LH surge and pulsatile GnRH release, respectively, through the action of kisspeptin at the level of GnRH neurons. Through the direct action of leptin, PMV^PACAP neurons mediate in part the metabolic regulation of reproductive function.