This record provides bibliographic details and links to the original research. An editorial study breakdown is not available.
What the researchers found
Kisspeptin enhanced limbic brain activity (amygdala, cingulate, globus pallidus, thalamus, putamen) specifically in response to sexual stimuli in 29 healthy men, while also reducing negative mood.
Why it matters
First evidence in humans that kisspeptin modulates sexual brain processing through limbic pathways, linking reproductive hormones to emotional brain function.
The numbers in context
29 healthy men; enhanced activity in amygdala, cingulate, globus pallidus, posterior thalamus, putamen; specific to sexual stimuli
How the study worked
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-way crossover fMRI study in 29 healthy heterosexual men receiving kisspeptin-54 or saline infusion.
Who was studied
Healthy heterosexual young men
What this study cannot tell us
Male participants only. Single session. IV infusion not reflecting physiological kisspeptin release patterns.
Read the original research
Kisspeptin modulates sexual and emotional brain processing in humans.
The Journal of clinical investigation, 127(2), 709-719
Citation
Comninos, Alexander N; Wall, Matthew B; Demetriou, Lysia; Shah, Amar J; Clarke, Sophie A; Narayanaswamy, Shakunthala; Neber, Asija; Bloom, Stuart R; Filbey, Francis M; Dhillo, Waljit S. (2017). Kisspeptin modulates sexual and emotional brain processing in humans.. The Journal of clinical investigation, 127(2), 709-719. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI89519