When the state of stress is chronic, the hormones released by our brain inhibit the reproductive system. This can lead to delayed fertility, a slowing of the reproductive cycle, and even infertility.
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- The RFRP-3 neuropeptide blocks reproductive functions when continuously released by neurons.
- RFRP-3 functions like cortisol, the stress hormone, and also induces long-term negative effects.
Infertility has multiple causes. Lifestyle habits, tobacco, endocrine disruptors or overweight are known to play a role in fertility, but they are not the only ones. Researchers from the University of Otago (New Zealand) have discovered the link between stress and infertility. According to them, nerve cells at the base of the brain activate in times of stress and then inhibit the reproductive system. Their work has been published in the Journal of Neuroscience November 20, 2020.
A neuropeptide similar to the effects of cortisol
Stress is a powerful natural mechanism that normally serves to alert our bodies to dangerous situations. Thanks to the hormones it releases, stress offers our body the opportunity to focus on the essentials, and to put to sleep functions that are not necessary at the moment. However, in our current way of life, where stress is an integral part of daily life, its long-term effect is increasingly harmful.
“One of the revolutionary advances that neuroscientists have benefited from in recent years is the ability to control the activity of selected groups of neurons – either silence them or increase their activity and then monitor the results.underlines Greg Anderson, professor at the center of neuroendocrinologies at the university of Otago. We have used state-of-the-art transgenic techniques to show that when RFRP-3 cell activity is increased, reproductive hormones are suppressed, similar to what occurs during stress or exposure to the stress hormone cortisol.”
RF-amide related peptide 3 (RFRP-3) is a neuropeptide thought to inhibit the central regulation of fertility. For this experiment, the researchers analyzed its behavior in mice separated into two groups. In the first, the neurons of the mice will produce RFRP-3 continuously while in the others, the cells responsible for the production of this neuropeptide have been removed. With this test, the research team wanted to see if altering the neuronal activity of RFRP-3 leads to a change in the onset of puberty, fertility and stress responses.
Delayed puberty and declining fertility
After stimulating neurons to continuously produce RFRP-3, the researchers found that the onset of puberty was delayed in male mice and that the reproductive cycle in female mice slowed down. In mice lacking RFRP-3, however, fertility appeared normal.
“Although it is known that stress steroids – such as cortisol – are probably part of the mechanism involved, it is also known that the brain cells that control reproduction are unable to respond to cortisol, so it seems that there is a missing link somewhere in the circuitreports Greg Anderson. We have now shown that RFRP neurons are indeed the missing link between stress and infertility. They become active in stressful situations — perhaps by sensing rising levels of cortisol — and then they suppress the reproductive system.”
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