Gonadal regulation of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone release in primates

Abstract

This review has examined, in primates, the action of sex steroids on the neural timing mechanism that governs the intermittent release of GnRH by the hypothalamus, the so-called GnRH pulse generator. Determinants of hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator frequency have generally been examined indirectly by monitoring moment to moment fluctuations in circulating LH concentrations. Studies using this approach have led to the hypothesis that negative feedback control of LH secretion by the testes is mediated by the action of T, or of one of its metabolites, to retard the frequency of the GnRH pulse generator. P also appears capable of decelerating GnRH pulse frequency during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, but the physiological significance of this phenomenon remains to be clarified. To date, a cognate action of E2 on the GnRH pulse generator has not been described. Because of limitations in contemporary technology, the factors underlying amplitude modulation of the GnRH pulse generator are less well understood. In addition to the ability of certain sex steroids to decelerate the frequency of pulsatile GnRH discharge, E2 and P appear capable of facilitating the secretion of this hypothalamic releasing factor. However, the increase in GnRH pulse frequency and/or GnRH pulse amplitude that must underlie these stimulatory actions remains to be fully defined. An inhibitory action of high levels of circulating cortisol on the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator has also been noted.