Allostasis in Neuroendocrine Systems Controlling Reproduction.
Rodrigo A Carrasco1, Kellie M Breen1
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0674, USA.
Endocrinology
|August 16, 2023
Summary
Allostasis helps mammals adapt to challenges by adjusting reproduction. This neuroendocrine control, influenced by various factors, prioritizes survival over immediate reproductive needs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Physiology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Homeostasis maintains essential biological variables within a set range.
- Allostasis facilitates adaptation to environmental challenges and survival demands.
- Reproductive function is vital for species survival but energetically costly and sensitive to environmental cues.
Approach:
- This review examines the physiological systems and neuroendocrine pathways governing allostatic control of reproduction.
- It focuses on how external factors like light, hypoxia, temperature, nutrition, psychosocial stress, and immune mediators impact reproductive neuroendocrine systems.
- The review highlights the convergence of these pathways at the paraventricular nucleus.
Key Points:
- Allostasis modulates reproductive neuroendocrine systems to adapt to immediate survival challenges.
- Environmental factors converge at the paraventricular nucleus to influence reproductive function.
- Key neuroendocrine players include kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons.
Conclusions:
- Allostatic mechanisms temporarily compromise reproductive function to ensure species survival.
- Understanding the integrative responses to diverse allostatic challenges is crucial.
- This adaptive strategy prioritizes long-term species viability over immediate reproductive success.
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