Neuroendocrine control of ovarian function in the primate

This article reviews the neuroendocrine factors which control the menstrual cycle in the macaque monkey. It describes the pulsatile characteristics of gonadotrophin secretion, the control of LH pulses by an arcuate neural Gn-RH oscillator and the significance of pulsatile Gn-RH secretion. The factors which may modulate the activity of the Gn-RH arcuate neural oscillator are anaesthesia, ovarian hormones and endogenous opiates, as well as the possible significance of changes in Gn-RH pulsatile characteristics. Finally, the oestrogen and progesterone feedback control of the mid-cycle gonadotrophin surge and the site of action (hypothalamic or hypophysial) of these steroids are contrasted in the monkey and rat.