Expression of regulatory neuropeptides in the hypothalamus of red deer (Cervus elaphus) reveals anomalous relationships in the seasonal control of appetite and reproduction.

•We used immunochemistry to examine hypothalami of red deer for neuropeptides.•Kisspeptin-containing cells were positively associated with the breeding season.•GnIH immunoreactivity did not differ between seasons.•In females NPY was highest and POMC cells lowest in the non-breeding season.•Males displayed the converse pattern for these appetite-regulating peptides.