Abstract |
Hypothalamic pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion, stimulating pituitary gonadotrophin secretion, is essential for adult reproductive function. This neuroendocrine drive to the reproductive axis is critically dependent on a sequence of developmental events in utero. During early foetal life, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurones migrate from the nasal placode to the medial basal hypothalamus where gonadotrophin-releasing hormone can be transported down portal vessels to the anterior pituitary. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion is active fleetingly neonatally but soon becomes quiescent throughout childhood. At the time of puberty activation of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion reawakens the hypothalamic pituitary-gonadal axis and secondary sexual maturation is triggered. Any disruption in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion will result in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. The clinical manifestations of this become apparent with secondary sexual maturation. Genetic mutations have been identified in a minority of cases. These include Kallmann syndrome, adrenal hypoplasia congenital, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor and luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone beta-subunit gene mutations. The importance of these discoveries is important not only in relation to the conditions that result, but also for our better understanding of normal reproductive function.
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Authors | Cathy Hay, Frederick Wu |
Journal | Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology
(Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol)
Vol. 14
Issue 3
Pg. 303-8
(Jun 2002)
ISSN: 1040-872X [Print] England |
PMID | 12032387
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor
- DNA-Binding Proteins
- NR0B1 protein, human
- Receptors, LHRH
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid
- Repressor Proteins
- Transcription Factors
- Luteinizing Hormone
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone
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Topics |
- DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor
- DNA-Binding Proteins
(genetics)
- Female
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone
(genetics)
- Humans
- Hypogonadism
(genetics)
- Luteinizing Hormone
(genetics)
- Mutation
- Receptors, LHRH
(genetics)
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid
(genetics)
- Repressor Proteins
- Transcription Factors
(genetics)
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