Estradiol-17β and μ-opioid peptides rapidly hyperpolarize GnRH neurons: A cellular mechanism of negative feedback?

Andre H. Lagrange, Oline K. Rønnekleiv, Martin J. Kelly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

198 Scopus citations

Abstract

Control of the HPG axis involves a rapid (30 min) inhibition of LH (GnRH) release by E2. The time course of this effect is faster than expected for a purely transcriptional mechanism of E2 action. To elucidate the mechanism of E2 action, intracellular recordings in TTX were performed in guinea pig hypothalamic GnRH neurons. These neurons were directly hyperpolarized by both the μ-opioid agonist, DAMGO (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-MePhe-Gly-ol, 9 mV) and the GABA(B) agonist, baclofen (18 mV) by opening K+ channels. Schild analysis with naloxone (K(e) = 2.4 nM) confirmed that μ-opioid receptors mediated the effect of DAMGO. E2 also directly hyperpolarized GnRH neurons by opening K+ channels. Coupled with previous work showing a rapid effect of E2 to alter μ-opioid potency (1), a model is presented in which E2 rapidly inhibits GnRH neurons through parallel, possibly synergistic pathways.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2341-2344
Number of pages4
JournalEndocrinology
Volume136
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology

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