The hypothalamic ventral premammillary nucleus: A key site in leptin's regulation of reproduction

• The reproductive capacity of an organism is influenced by energy availability.
• Adequate leptin levels permit proper functioning of the reproductive axis via its receptor, LepRb.
• A large population of LepRb cells reside in the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMv).
• The PMv responds to sex and metabolic cues, and connects with reproductive circuitry.

Reproduction is an energy-expensive process that relies on indicators of energy availability to adjust its proper functioning. The adipokine leptin provides one such metabolic signal, with leptin receptor-expressing neurons at sites widespread within the CNS, including regions associated with the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. One substantial population lies within the hypothalamic ventral premammillary nucleus (PMv), a region itself linked to reproductive control, which may provide a strategic site for the integration of energy availability, sensory and gonadal cues. Here we review our current understanding of leptin and PMv regulation of reproduction, including emerging details about intracellular mechanisms of leptin action at this site.