title: Mechanisms underlying episodic gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion.
abstract: The episodic secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is crucial for fertility, but the cellular mechanisms and network properties generating GnRH pulses are not well understood. We will explore three primary aspects of this intermittent hormonal signal: the source of rhythm(s), the possible mechanisms comprising oscillator(s), and how GnRH neurons are synchronized to produce a pulse of hormone release into the pituitary portal blood. Current knowledge will be reviewed, and hypotheses and working models proposed for future studies.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Internal Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Virginia, PO BOX 800578, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. smm4n@virginia.edu
authors.forename: Suzanne M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Moenter
authors.forename: Anthony R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: DeFazio
authors.forename: Gilbert R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Pitts
authors.forename: Craig S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Nunemaker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D010507:Periodicity; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone