Houdek, Becky (University of Minnesota, Morris). Mentor: Sara Schrock and Ellen Ketterson (Indiana University). The effects of kisspeptin on sexual behavior in male dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis).

Abstract: Kisspeptins (KiSS) are a family of peptides that have recently been found to play a role in the onset of puberty in mammals, by regulating the release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH in turn controls the release of the gonadotropins which control the release of testosterone (T). Onset of seasonal reproduction in species such as seasonally breeding songbirds is also controlled by GnRH, and therefore, may also be regulated by KiSS. Experimentally elevating T levels has been shown to produce more frequent and exaggerated courtship displays in male dark-eyed juncos ( Junco hyemalis ). If KiSS initiates GnRH release, thereby causing an increase in T, then injection of KiSS should result in a similar increase in courtship behaviors. To test this hypothesis, I monitored the behavior of both KiSS-injected and control males in the presence of a female. Males did not differ by treatment for any of the measured courtship or non-courtship behaviors. Further research should be done to determine if KiSS is responsible for initiating GnRH release in seasonally breeding songbirds. Understanding the mechanism behind the onset of seasonal reproduction is important when considering the effect that global warming will have on the timing of breeding onset.