title: Calcium dynamics in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons.
abstract: The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons represent the key output cells of the neuronal network controlling fertility. Intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) is likely to be a key signaling tool used by GnRH neurons to regulate and co-ordinate multiple cell processes. This review examines the dynamics and control of [Ca(2+)](i) in GT1 cells, embryonic GnRH neurons in the nasal placode culture, and adult GnRH neurons in the acute brain slice preparation. GnRH neurons at all stages of development display spontaneous [Ca(2+)](i) transients driven, primarily, by their burst firing. However, the intracellular mechanisms generating [Ca(2+)](i) transients, and the control of [Ca(2+)](i) by neurotransmitters, varies markedly across the different developmental stages. The functional roles of [Ca(2+)](i) transients are beginning to be unraveled with one key action being that of regulating the dynamics of GnRH neuron burst firing.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Departments of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Christine L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Jasoni
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Romanò
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Constantin
authors.forename: Kiho
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Allan E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Herbison
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology*; D002460:Cell Line; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone