Kisspeptin-10 10mg

Kisspeptin (via GPR54 activation on GnRH neurons) is the most potent known endogenous stimulator of GnRH pulsatility. Its identification in 2003 resolved a decades-long question about the upstream regulator of GnRH neurons — previously, the identity of the GnRH 'pulse generator' was unknown.

KNDy neurons (co-expressing kisspeptin, NKB, and dynorphin) in the arcuate nucleus are now understood to generate the GnRH pulse signal, with kisspeptin as the primary GnRH secretagogue and NKB/dynorphin providing autocrine synchronisation. KP-10 is the research tool for directly activating this pathway.

Full-length human kisspeptin-54 (hKP-54) and the shorter fragments KP-13 and KP-10 all bind GPR54 and stimulate GnRH release. KP-10 (the C-terminal decapeptide) retains the RF-amide motif essential for GPR54 binding and is equipotent with longer forms at the receptor. Its shorter length confers easier synthetic preparation, more consistent purity, and straightforward HPLC verification.

KP-10 is the most widely used kisspeptin research tool in the published literature due to these practical advantages.

Kisspeptin-10 has a plasma half-life of approximately 3 minutes due to rapid C-terminal cleavage by endopeptidase 24.11 (neprilysin) and other peptidases. This necessitates continuous infusion or frequent bolus injections to maintain sustained GPR54 activation and GnRH stimulation in in vivo research. For studies requiring acute GnRH pulse stimulation, a single bolus is appropriate.

For studies modelling tonic kisspeptin signalling (e.g. pubertal timing, continuous HPG axis activation), researchers must use infusion protocols or longer-acting kisspeptin analogues engineered for peptidase resistance.