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Interpulse interval sequence of LH in normal men essentially constitutes a renewal process
The American Journal of Physiology
|March 11, 1986
Summary
Luteinizing hormone (LH) release follows a renewal process, meaning the hypothalamus timer resets with each gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse. This suggests limited memory in the GnRH pulse generator for LH secretion regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion from the anterior pituitary is episodic.
- These LH pulses are driven by hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses.
- Understanding the control mechanism of GnRH pulsatility is key to understanding LH regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying mechanism driving LH secretion patterns.
- To test the hypothesis that LH secretion is governed by a renewal process.
Main Methods:
- Autocorrelation analysis was performed on the interpulse intervals of LH secretion.
- Data were collected from normal men.
Main Results:
- Autocorrelation analysis supported the renewal process hypothesis for LH secretion.
- The GnRH pulse generator appears to have limited 'memory', not extending beyond the preceding secretory pulse.
Conclusions:
- The hypothalamic control of LH secretion operates as a renewal process.
- The GnRH pulse generator resets with each secretory episode, indicating a short-term memory mechanism.