Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Impairs Kisspeptin Signaling in Human Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Primary Neurons

Context: Previous studies have suggested that inflammatory pathways may impair central regulatory networks involving gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron activity. Studies in humans are strongly hampered by the lack of human GnRH neuron cell lines. Objective: To establish an in vitro model of GnRH neurons of human origin and analyze the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on their biological properties. Design, samples and treatments: The primary human fetal hypothalamic (hfHypo) cell cultures were isolated from brain of three 12 week-old fetuses. Responsiveness to kisspeptin (0.1nM-1μ M), the main physiological regulator of GnRH neurons, was evaluated for biological characterization of hfHypo cells. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα, 10 ng/ml, 5h and 24h) was used as pro-inflammatory stimulus. Main outcome measures: Expression of specific GnRH neuron markers by quantitative RT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry analyses; GnRH releasing ability and electrophysiological changes in respons...