Background: The neuroendocrine control of ovulation is orchestrated by neuronal circuits that ultimately drive the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus to trigger the preovulatory surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. While estrogen feedback signals are determinant in triggering activation of GnRH neurons, through stimulation of afferent kisspeptin neurons in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V^KISS1 neurons), many neuropeptidergic and classical neurotransmitter systems have been shown to regulate the LH surge. Among these, several lines of evidence indicate that the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) has an excitatory, permissive, influence over the generation of the surge, via activation of type 2 5-HT (5-HT₂) receptors. The mechanisms through which this occurs, however, are not well understood. We hypothesized that 5-HT exerts its influence on the surge by stimulating RP3V^KISS1 neurons in a 5-HT₂ receptor-dependent manner.

Methods: We tested this using kisspeptin neuron-specific calcium imaging and electrophysiology in brain slices obtained from male and female mice.

Results: We show that exogenous 5-HT reversibly increases the activity of the majority of RP3V^KISS1 neurons. This effect is more prominent in females than in males, is likely mediated directly at RP3V^KISS1 neurons and requires activation of 5-HT₂ receptors. The functional impact of 5-HT on RP3V^KISS1 neurons, however, does not significantly vary during the estrous cycle.

Conclusion: Taken together, these data suggest that 5-HT₂ receptor-mediated stimulation of RP3V^KISS1 neuron activity might be involved in mediating the influence of 5-HT on the preovulatory LH surge.