ROLE OF HABENULAR KISSPEPTIN IN DOPAMINERGIC MODULATION

Kisspeptin, a hypothalamic neuropeptide plays an important role in the reproduction system. Previously, we have shown a predominant expression kisspeptin (Kiss1) in the ventral habenula (vHb) and its role in serotonergic modulation of aversive responses in zebrafish. The mammalian homolog of the zebrafish vHb, the lateral habenula modulates two major populations of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) neurons. However, the association between Kiss1 and DA system in zebrafish remains obscure. Therefore, this thesis aimed to demonstrate the possible link between habenular Kiss1 and DA modulation.