Gonadotropin, Neural and Hormonal Control

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are the master neurons of the brain that regulate reproduction. GnRH is secreted into the hypophysial portal blood system and regulates pituitary gonadotrope function. The pulsatile secretion of GnRH allows fine regulation by various neuronal systems that transmit sex steroid feedback and information of energy balance and stress status as well as season and environment. Afferents to GnRH neurons form a system of serial and converging input, so that GnRH secretion is a reflection of processed information from various parts of the brain.