Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis controls reproduction via a series of hormones
regulating gonadal function through interconnected feedback loops. Secretion of hypothalamic-derived
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) integrates inputs from higher brain centers
to coordinate the activity of the pituitary gonadotrope and the biosynthesis and secretion
of the gonadotropins which ultimately regulate gonadal function. Failure of GnRH to
serve as the central integrator of this system has been associated with hypogonadotropic-hypogonadism
and clinical infertility, while pharmacological application of GnRH analogs and gonadotropins
have important implications of the treatment of such infertility. Furthermore, the
GnRH–GnRH receptor system has been characterized in several types of cancer and may
offer therapeutic possibilities in their treatment. Given the central role of GnRH
action in the control of fertility, it is of paramount importance to understand the
molecular basis of control of GnRH action in the pituitary gonadotrope, including
new and novel alternate ways to modulate GnRH action and gonadotropin secretion. The
goal of this review is to discuss several new findings in this field focusing on novel
regulators of GnRH action.
Keywords
GnRH - gonadotropin - pituitary - signaling