Glucocorticoids stimulate hypothalamic dynorphin expression accounting for stress-induced impairment of GnRH secretion during preovulatory period

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons form the final common pathway for the central regulation of fertility. Pulsatile hypothalamic GnRH release regulates pituitary secretion of gonadotropins (LH, Luteinizing Hormone and FSH, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) that, in turn control ovarian function during the oestral cycle. The gonadal steroids are critical feedback regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary activity. Much of the ovulatory cycle is dominated by negative feedback effects of the gonadal estradiol (E2) and progesterone.

Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - August 28, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Mohsen Ayrout, Florian Le Billan, Val érie Grange-Messent, Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja, Marc Lombès, Stéphanie Chauvin Source Type: research