The role of peripheral gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors in female reproduction.
OBJECTIVE
To review the physiologic functions and clinical significance of peripheral GnRH receptors.


METHODS
Literature review. All peer-reviewed journal articles published before 2010 on peripheral GnRH receptors were searched for in the Pubmed database, and relevant findings were summarized.


RESULTS
Peripheral GnRH/GnRH receptor systems may serve as regulators of hCG synthesis and implantation, and play crucial roles in antiproliferation and apoptosis. Currently, GnRH agonists have been used in cancer treatment and ovary protection during chemotherapy, taking advantage of the local direct effect mediated by peripheral GnRH receptors.


CONCLUSIONS
The ubiquitous GnRH/GnRH receptor system in human tissues has been shown to have some important physiologic functions. Further research to clarify functions of these peripheral GnRH receptors may lead to discovery of new therapeutic options.
Yu
Bo
B
Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. yub4@mail.nih.gov
Ruman
Jane
J
Christman
Gregory
G
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011966:Receptors, LHRH / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011966:Receptors, LHRH; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone