Abstract
Background: In rhesus macaques, luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion appears to be regulated by two distinct gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal populations, which can be distinguished by their unique anatomical locations and because they express different molecular forms of GnRH (GnRH-I and GnRH-II). Study Design: The effect of estradiol on GnRH gene expression was examined. Results: Estradiol inhibited GnRH-I neurons but stimulated GnRH-II neurons, suggesting that GnRH-II neurons play the dominant role in mediating estradiol-positive feedback and triggering the midcycle preovulatory LH surge. Conclusions: Selective silencing of GnRH-II neurons in women could serve as a novel contraceptive, by blocking ovulation while leaving the rest of the reproductive axis relatively unperturbed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 423-425 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Contraception |
Volume | 91 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Estradiol
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
- Luteinizing hormone
- Rhesus macaque
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology