The GnRH Neuron and its Control

The GnRH Neuron and its Control examines the developmental biology of GnRH neurons including their birth in the nasal placode of the early embryo, perinatal programming, and sexual differentiation, in addition to the hypothalamic mechanisms that control GnRH neurons in adulthood to generate pulsatile and surge modes of GnRH secretion throughout the major life stages including aging. The morphology, electrophysiology, signal transduction pathways, transcriptional regulators, and genomics underlying function of the adult GnRH neuron is discussed in detail, as is the neuroendocrinology and cell biology governing the generation of both modes of GnRH release.

The book also reviews the neurobiological mechanisms and circuitry responsible for the modulation of the activity of GnRH neurons by season, stress, nutrition, and metabolism, and covers the current and potential therapeutic approaches to regulating GnRH secretion and action. Filled with newly identified research and classical fundamental knowledge to GnRH biology, it will provide students, researchers, and practitioners with an in–depth understanding of reproductive neuroendocrinology.

This is the sixth volume in the Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology Series, a co–publication between Wiley and the INF (International Neuroendocrine Federation) that aims to illustrate highest standards and encourage the use of the latest technologies in basic and clinical research and hopes to provide inspiration for further exploration into the exciting field of neuroendocrinology.

List of Contributors, vii

Series Preface, xi

Preface, xiii

About the Companion Website, xv

PART I Historical Introduction to the GnRH Neuron

1 The Framework Upon Which Current Research on the GnRH Neuron and its Control is Built, 3
Tony M. Plant and Allan E. Herbison

PART II GnRH Neuron Development

2 Prenatal Development of GnRH Neurons, 15
Yufei Shan and Susan Wray

3 Fetal/perinatal Programming Causing Sexual Dimorphism of the Kisspeptin GnRH Neuronal Network, 43
Hiroko Tsukamura, Kei ]ichiro Maeda and Yoshihisa Uenoyama

4 Postnatal Development of GnRH Neuronal Function, 61
Ei Terasawa

PART III GnRH Neuron Biology

5 Regulation of GnRH Gene Expression, 95
Hanne M. Hoffmann and Pamela L. Mellon

6 Morphology of the Adult GnRH Neuron, 121
Rebecca E. Campbell

7 The Anatomy of the GnRH Neuron Network in the Human, 149
Katalin Skrapits and Erik Hrabovszky

8 Electrophysiology of Rodent GnRH Neurons, 177
Richard Piet and Allan E. Herbison

9 Anatomy and Physiology of GnRH Neurons and Their Control of Pituitary Function in Fish, 203
Yoshitaka Oka

PART IV Regulation of GnRH Neuron Function

10 Unveiling the Importance of Glia and Vascular Endothelial Cells in the Control of GnRH Neuronal Function, 227
Vincent Prevot and Ariane Sharif

11 Genetic Strategies Examining Kisspeptin Regulation of GnRH Neurons, 259
Michael Candlish, Philipp Wartenberg and Ulrich Boehm

12 KNDy Hypothesis for Generation of GnRH Pulses: Evidence from Sheep and Goats, 289
Robert L. Goodman, Satoshi Okhura, Hiroaki Okamura, Lique M. Coolen, and Michael N. Lehman

13 Generation of the GnRH Surge and LH Surge by the Positive Feedback Effect of Estrogen, 325
Iain Clarke

14 Influence of Stress on the GnRH Neuronal Network, 357
Pasha Grachev and Kevin T. O Byrne

15 Metabolic Regulation of GnRH Neurons, 383
Maggie C. Evans and Greg M. Anderson

16 Seasonal Control of the GnRH Neuronal Network as a Means of Uncovering Novel Central Mechanisms Governing Mammalian Reproduction, 411
Sébastien Milesi, Paul Klosen and Valerie Simonneaux

PART V GnRH in the Clinic

17 Human Genetics of GnRH Neuron Function, 445
A. Kemal Topaloglu and L. Damla Kotan

18 Modulators of GnRH Secretion and Therapeutic Applications, 469
Claire L. Newton, Ross C. Anderson and Robert P. Millar

Index, 499

Editors:
Allan E. Herbison, University of Otago, New Zealand.

Tony M. Plant, University of Pittsburgh, USA.