Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-secreting neuron development and function: an update.
Anna Passarelli1, Antonella Lettieri2,3, Tugba Nur Demirci1
1Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Minerva Endocrinology
|February 1, 2022
Summary
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron migration and pulsatile secretion are vital for reproductive function. Understanding these processes aids in diagnosing and treating hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis dysfunctions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- The hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis regulates vertebrate reproduction through gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion.
- GnRH neuron development involves migration from the nose to the forebrain and subsequent axon elongation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing GnRH neuron development and function.
- To highlight the factors influencing GnRH neuron migration and pulsatile secretion.
- To underscore the importance of this knowledge for understanding HPG axis disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular signaling pathways involved in GnRH neuron migration and axonogenesis.
- Analysis of factors controlling GnRH pulsatile release.
- Examination of the molecular basis of HPG axis dysfunction.
Main Results:
- GnRH neuron migration is orchestrated by factors like anosmin-1, growth factors, and semaphorins.
- Axon elongation relies on fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and semaphorin 7A signaling.
- Pulsatile GnRH release is modulated by kisspeptin, neurokinin B, dynorphin, sex steroids, and leptin.
Conclusions:
- Proper GnRH neuron development and coordinated secretion are essential for reproductive health.
- Dysregulation of the HPG axis can lead to conditions like congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
- Understanding these molecular pathways is critical for addressing reproductive disorders.
More Related Videos
11:04Unraveling the Role of Discrete Areas of the Rat Brain in the Regulation of Ovulation through Reversible Inactivation by Tetrodotoxin Microinjections
Published on: September 3, 2020
3.2K
07:45Recording Electrical Activity from Identified Neurons in the Intact Brain of Transgenic Fish
Published on: April 30, 2013
13.6K
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
773
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
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...
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...
773
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
1.2K
The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
1.2K
01:19Regulation of Hormone Secretion
4.3K
Regulation of hormone secretion is a finely tuned orchestration driven by various types of stimuli, encompassing neural, humoral, and hormonal signals. Environmental cues instigate neural stimuli, where action potentials traverse nerve fibers to reach their designated targets. An illustrative scenario is the body's response to stress, wherein the sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine from the adrenal glands, inducing the well-known 'fight or flight' reaction.
Humoral...
Humoral...
4.3K
01:27Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
7.3K
The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
7.3K
01:31Neurotransmitters
1.7K
Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers within the nervous system, facilitating the communication between neurons. These chemical messengers, varying in function and effect, are critical for sustaining various aspects of neurological health and emotional well-being.
1.7K
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
1.9K
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
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...
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...
1.9K