Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), initially discovered in birds as a hypothalamic neuropeptide, inhibits the synthesis and release of gonadotropins by affecting GnRH neurons and gonadotropes. Therefore, it may be a key neuropeptide in reproduction in birds. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal localization of GnIH and changes in hypothalamic GnIH expression in British United Turkey hens. In prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal periods, the brains of turkey hens (n = 15) were removed after fixation. Sections (30 μm) were prepared from the entire hypothalamus and stained immunohistochemically against GnIH antibody. Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone–immunoreactive neurons were observed in the paraventricular nucleus. These neurons were significantly more abundant in the prepubertal turkeys than pubertal and postpubertal turkeys (P < 0.05). The results suggested that GnIH neurons have an important role in regulating the pubertal events in British United Turkey hens.

促性腺激素抑制激素 (GnIH)，最初作为下丘脑神经肽在鸟类中发现，通过影响 GnRH 神经元和促性腺激素来抑制促性腺激素的合成和释放。因此，它可能是鸟类繁殖的关键神经肽。本研究的目的是调查英国联合土耳其母鸡青春期前、青春期和青春期后 GnIH 的定位以及下丘脑 GnIH 表达的变化。在青春期前、青春期和青春期后，固定后取出火鸡母鸡（n = 15）的大脑。从整个下丘脑制备切片 (30 μm)，并针对 GnIH 抗体进行免疫组织化学染色。在室旁核中观察到促性腺激素抑制性激素免疫反应神经元。P < 0.05)。结果表明，GnIH 神经元在调节英国联合土耳其母鸡的青春期事件中具有重要作用。