Role of Spexin in Central Reproductive Control

This thesis investigates the multifunctional neuropeptide spexin, as a neuromodulator of reproductive factors in the brain as a consequence of chronic social stress. Using the Nile tilapia model, chronic social stress inhibited spexin’s receptor in the brain. Spexin signals were observed closely with reproductive neurons. Spexin treatment into the brain inhibited the expression of a major central reproductive factor. Thus, spexin can directly modulate reproductive signals in the brain. However, this inhibitory action may be prevented under social stress as a protective mechanism. This study gives an insight into spexin’s physiological actions in the brain, as an evolutionary conserved neuropeptide.