title: Selective targeting of GnRH-II neurons to block ovulation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In rhesus macaques, luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion appears to be regulated by two distinct gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal populations, which can be distinguished by their unique anatomical locations and because they express different molecular forms of GnRH (GnRH-I and GnRH-II).
  
  
  METHODS
  The effect of estradiol on GnRH gene expression was examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Estradiol inhibited GnRH-I neurons but stimulated GnRH-II neurons, suggesting that GnRH-II neurons play the dominant role in mediating estradiol-positive feedback and triggering the midcycle preovulatory LH surge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Selective silencing of GnRH-II neurons in women could serve as a novel contraceptive, by blocking ovulation while leaving the rest of the reproductive axis relatively unperturbed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroscience and Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA. Electronic address: urbanski@ohsu.edu.
authors.forename: Henryk F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Urbanski
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000235:genetics*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone
keywords: Estradiol; Gonadotropin-releasing hormone; Luteinizing hormone; Rhesus macaque