Fig. 2: Reproductive indices in KiDKO and GoDKO mice during the infantile-pubertal transition.

Data from the two models, KiDKO (Kiss1-specific Dicer KO) and GoDKO (GnRH-specific Dicer KO), are presented. Serum LH and FSH levels in KiDKO (a; LH in males: control n = 7, KiDKO n = 7 for 2 week and control n = 9, KiDKO n = 9 for 4 week; FSH in males: control n = 5, KiDKO n = 5 for 2 week and control n = 9, KiDKO n = 9 for 4 week; c; LH in females: control n = 15, KiDKO n = 14 for 2 week and control n = 14, KiDKO n = 15 for 4 week; FSH in females: control n = 16, KiDKO n = 17 for both 2 and 4 week) and GoDKO (b; LH in males: control n = 13, GoDKO n = 9 for 2 week and control n = 9, GoDKO n = 9 for 4 week; FSH in males: control n = 12, GoDKO n = 10 for 2 week and control n = 11, GoDKO n = 9 for 4 week; d; LH in females: control n = 10, GoDKO n = 11 for 2 week and control n = 11, GoDKO n = 9 for 4 week; FSH in females: control n = 10, GoDKO n = 11 for 2 week and control n = 11, GoDKO n = 8 for 4 week) mice, at 2 and 4 weeks of age, are shown. In addition, testicular weight and tubular diameter in KiDKO males (e; control n = 20, KiDKO n = 18 for 2 week and control n = 19, KiDKO n = 22 for 4 week; f; control n = 4, KiDKO n = 4 for both 2 and 4 week) and GoDKO (g; control n = 18, GoDKO n = 19 for 2 week and control n = 16, GoDKO n = 15 for 4 week; h; control n = 4, GoDKO n = 4 for both 2 and 4 week), as well as uterus and ovarian weights in KiDKO (i; control n = 14, KiDKO n = 17 for both 2 week and 4 week; j; control n = 14, KiDKO n = 16 for 2 week and control n = 16, KiDKO n = 17 for 4 week) and GoDKO (k; control n = 23, GoDKO n = 11 for 2 week and control n = 25, GoDKO n = 10 for 4 week; l; control n = 24, GoDKO n = 11 for 2 week and control n = 27, GoDKO n = 10 for 4 week) females are shown. Fertility tests were conducted in male and female KiDKO mice; results from tests carried out in KiDKO males at 2 months (m) and 4 months (n) of age, and in KiDKO females of 2–4 months (aggregated; see o) are presented. In p, histological images of the ovary of KiDKO females after ovulation induction by standard gonadotropin priming are shown (control n = 9, KiDKO n = 5), with appearance of newly formed corpora lutea (CL) and released oocytes in the uterine tubes (denoted by arrows). Quantification of the #oocytes observed in control and KiDKO females after gonadotropin priming is also displayed. Finally, control and KiDKO females were challenged with a protocol for sex steroid-induced LH surge (q; control n = 5, KiDKO n = 5). The values are represented as the mean ± SEM. ^#P < 0.05; ^##P < 0.01; ^###P < 0.001 vs. corresponding control groups; ^aP < 0.05 vs. 2-week-old groups.