Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Dual Somatic Recordings from Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurons Identified by Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in Hypothalamic Slices
Published on: February 23, 2010
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone inhibits ether-à-go-go-related gene K+ currents in mouse gonadotropes
Wiebke Hirdes1, Crenguta Dinu, Christiane K Bauer
1Institute for Neural Signal Transduction, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, D-20253 Hamburg, Germany. whirdes@zmnh.uni-hamburg.de
Abstract:
Secretion of LH from gonadotropes is initiated by a GnRH-induced increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). This increase in [Ca(2+)](i) is the result of Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores and Ca(2+) influx through voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. Here we describe an ether-à-go-go-related gene (erg) K(+) current in primary mouse gonadotropes and its possible function in the control of Ca(2+) influx. To detect gonadotropes, we used a knock-in mouse strain, in which GnRH receptor-expressing cells are fluorescently labeled. Erg K(+) currents were recorded in 80-90% of gonadotropes. Blockage of erg currents by E-4031 depolarized the resting potential by 5-8 mV and led to an increase in [Ca(2+)](i), which was abolished by nifedipine. GnRH inhibited erg currents by a reduction of the maximal erg current and in some cells additionally by a shift of the activation curve to more positive potentials. In conclusion, the erg current contributes to the maintenance of the resting potential in gonadotropes, thereby securing a low [Ca(2+)](i) by restricting Ca(2+) influx. In addition, the erg channels are modulated by GnRH by an as-yet unknown signal cascade.
Related Concept Videos
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Eukaryotic Transcription Inhibitors
Eukaryotic transcription inhibitors usually contain two distinct domains, a DNA...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
In-vitro Mutagenesis

