Pathways For Estrogen Feedback To Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,980.00
Summary
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is the brain hormone that drives the reproductive process. In the female, a surge in the secretion of GnRH is the trigger for ovulation. An understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the secretion of GnRH is, therefore, extremely important if we are to decipher abnormalities that lead to infertility. Understanding of the ovulatory process is also important for the development of new (possibly simpler) means of contraception. Our research is intended to pr ....Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is the brain hormone that drives the reproductive process. In the female, a surge in the secretion of GnRH is the trigger for ovulation. An understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the secretion of GnRH is, therefore, extremely important if we are to decipher abnormalities that lead to infertility. Understanding of the ovulatory process is also important for the development of new (possibly simpler) means of contraception. Our research is intended to provide a full understanding of the brain circuits that provide input to the GnRH neurons. In particular, we will focus on the microcircuitry in the preoptic area, where GnRH cells are found. In addition to providing a full understanding of the circuits that are primarily involved in regulating GnRH secretion, this work will provide a substrate upon which we can expand knowledge of how factors such as emotion and stress can impact on the reproductive process.Read moreRead less