Multimodal Influence of Estrogen upon Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons

Abstract

I. IntroductionII. Effects of Estrogen on GnRH Neurons A. Sexual differentiationB. Biosynthesis of GnRHC. Biosynthesis of galaninD. Electrical activity of GnRH neuronsE. GnRH secretionF. GnRH degradationG. Ultrastructural changes involving GnRH neuronsH. Summary of estrogen’s influence on GnRH cells III. Brain Sites of Estrogen Influence on GnRH Neurons A. Sites of estrogen’s stimulatory sitesB. Sites of estrogen’s inhibitory actionC. Summary IV. Pathways for Estrogen Regulation of GnRH Neurons A. Direct regulation of GnRH neuronsB. Estrogen-receptive neurons as intermediariesC. Glial cells as intermediariesD. Summary V. Model of Estrogen Action on GnRH NeuronsVI. Concluding Remarks