Hypothalamic and brain stem neurochemical profile in anorectic rats after peripheral administration of kisspeptin‐10 using 1H‐nmr spectroscopy in vivo

Purpose Although anorexia nervosa is classified as a psychiatric disorder associated with socio‐environmental and psychological factors, a deeper insight into the dominant neurobiological basis is needed to develop a more effective approach of treatment. Given the high contribution of genetic predisposition and the underlying pathophysiology of neurohormonal circuits, it seems that pharmacological targeting of these mechanisms may provide us with better therapeutic outcomes. Methods 1H‐NMR spectroscopy was used to measure concentrations of the hypothalamus and brain stem metabolites in an activity‐based rodent model (ABA) after subcutaneous administration of kisspeptin‐10. Because anorexia mainly affects young women and often leads to hypogonadotropic‐hypogonadism, we investigated the influence of this neuropeptide, which is involved in reproductive function by regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary‐gonadal axis, on the ABA model development. Results Kisspeptin reinforced food consumption in an activity‐based rodent model of anorexia changing a pattern of weight loss. 1H‐NMR spectroscopy of the hypothalamus and brain stem of ABA rats revealed a statistically significant change in the concentration of creatine (Cr; decreased, P = 0.030), phosphocreatine (PCr; increased, P = 0.030), γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA; decreased, P = 0.011), glutathione (GSH; increased, P = 0.011) and inositol (INS; increased, P = 0.047) compared to the control group. Subcutaneous administration of kisspeptin reversed the decrease in GABA (P = 0.018) and Cr (P = 0.030) levels in the hypothalamus as well as restored glutamate (GLU; P = 0.040) level in the brain stem. Conclusions We suspect that kisspeptin through modulation of hypothalamic GABAergic signaling increases food intake, and thus positively alters brain metabolism. 1H‐NMR spectroscopy of the hypothalamus and brain stem of ABA rats revealed a statistically significant change in the concentration of Cr, PCr, GABA, GSH and INS compared to the control group. Subcutaneous administration of kisspeptin reversed the decrease in GABA and Cr levels in the hypothalamus as well as restored glutamate level in the brain stem. Kisspeptin seems to increase food intake through modulation of hypothalamic GABAergic signaling, and thus positively alter brain metabolism.