The GnRH Neuron and its Control

Part 1: Historical Introduction to the GnRH neuron

1. The framework upon which current research on the GnRH neuron and its control is built.
Tony M. Plant and Allan E. Herbison

Part 2: GnRH neuron development

2. Prenatal Development of GnRH neurons.
Yufei Shan and Susan Wray

3. Fetal/perinatal programming causing sexual dimorphism of the kisspeptin-GnRH neuronal network.
Hiroko Tsukamura, Kei-ichiro Maeda, and Yoshihisa Uenoyama

4. Postnatal development of GnRH neuronal function.
Ei Terasawa

Part 3: GnRH neuron biology

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

6. Morphology of the adult GnRH neuron.
Rebecca E. Campbel

7. The anatomy of the GnRH neuron network in the human.
Katalin Skrapits and Erik Hrabovszky

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

9. Anatomy and Physiology of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurons and their Control of Pituitary Function in Fish
Yoshitaka Oka

Part 4: Regulation of GnRH neuron function

10. Unveiling the importance of glia and vascular endothelial cells in the control of GnRH neuronal function.
Vincent Prevot and Ariane Sharif

11. Genetic strategies examining kisspeptin regulation of GnRH neurons.
Michael Candlish, Philipp Wartenberg and Ulrich Boehm

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

13. Generation of the gonadotropin releasing hormone surge and the luteinizing hormone surge, by the positive feedback effect of estrogen.
Iain Clarke

14. Influence of stress on the GnRH neuronal network.
Pasha Grachev and Kevin T O’Byrne

15. Metabolic regulation of the GnRH neurons.
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.
Milesi Sébastien, Klosen Paul, Simonneaux Valerie

Part 5: GnRH in the clinic

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

18. Modulators of GnRH secretion and therapeutic applications.
Claire L Newton, Ross C Anderson, and Robert P Millar

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 fifth 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.

About the Author

Allan E. Herbison, University of Otago, New Zealand.
Tony M. Plant, University of Pittsburgh, USA.