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Effects of growth hormone on neuroendocrine function
A Bartke1, V Chandrashekar, R W Steger
1Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, Carbondale 62901-6512, USA.
Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) impacts reproductive health by altering hypothalamic control of hormones like prolactin and gonadotropins. Both GH deficiency and excess disrupt reproductive functions, affecting luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Hormone Regulation
Background:
- The precise role of growth hormone (GH) in reproductive control remains unclear.
- Reproductive deficits are commonly observed in conditions of both GH deficiency and excess.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying reproductive deficits associated with altered growth hormone (GH) levels.
- To elucidate the impact of GH on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis controlling reproductive functions.
Main Methods:
- Studied transgenic animals overexpressing GH.
- Utilized animal models with congenital GH deficiency.
- Employed selective immunoneutralization of GH in animal models.
- Analyzed neuroendocrine function related to reproduction, including prolactin and gonadotropin release.
Main Results:
- Growth hormone (GH) influences hypothalamic dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways regulating prolactin and gonadotropin release.
- Sustained GH excess disrupts the feedback regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) release by gonadal steroids.
- GH deficiency leads to abnormal plasma levels of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and impaired LH feedback control.
Conclusions:
- Physiological levels of endogenous growth hormone (GH) are essential for normal gonadotropin regulation.
- GH exerts effects on the hypothalamus, modulating reproductive hormone release.
- Investigating species-specific GH effects and GH deficiency impacts aids in understanding GH's mechanism of action on the hypothalamic-pituitary system.