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EDRI Federal Project Inventory:
The LHRH System and Reproductive Function
- Sponsor Organization: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
- Project Title: THE LHRH SYSTEM AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION
- Project Focus: HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS
- Description: Successful reproduction in animal species requires the release of an
egg from theovary, known as ovulation. Ovulation requires the joint
action of a part of the brain,known as the hypothalamus, and the
pituitary gland. A chemical substance releasedby the hypothalamus,
luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), is transportedby the
blood to the pituitary gland and acts on cells therein to enhance the
secretion ofluteinizing hormone (LH) which helps prime the ovary for
ovulation. The exactmechanism involved in LHRH secretion into the
bloodstream is currently a mystery butthrough the efforts of Dr. King,
she has demonstrated marked cellular reorganizationwithin the vascular
portion of the hypothalamus, known as the median eminence,
thatfacilitates chemical secretion by the brain. Dr. King is using
the state of the artmicroscopic techniques to investigate the
anatomical relationship between the cellsproducing LHRH and glial
support cells in the median eminence and the changes inthis
relationship occurring at the time LHRH is secreted. Dr. King is
also examiningthe role of excitatory neurotransmitters in the dynamic
relationship betweenLHRH-containing cells, glial cells, and the blood
vessels themselves during theremodeling at the time of LHRH secretion.
Studies to identify the cellular componentsinvolved in communication
between these cells that stimulate reorganization areunderway. These
studies examine the local regulation of brain LHRH secretion.
Thecoordinated secretion of LHRH is responsible for the regulation of
reproductive abilitiesin animals and understanding these mechanisms is
central to the survival of all animalspecies, domestic or wild,
including man.
- References:
- Category: MODELS
- Subcategory: BASIC RESEARCH
- Keywords for Experimental System/Species: RODENT, MAMMAL, IN VIVO, LABORATORY STUDY
- Keywords for Experimental Endpoints: NEUROLOGICAL, REPRODUCTIVE, HORMONE MEASURES, SEX STEROIDS, PEPTIDE
HORMONES,PHYSIOLOGY, BREEDING BEHAVIOR
- Chemical Agents: Sex Steroids
- Performing Institution: Tufts University
- Contact: Joan C King, Medford, MA 02155 617 628-5000
jking@opal.tufts.edu
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