Title
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal migration
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Cell Biology
Publication Date
2007-08-22
Document Type
Article
Subjects
Animals; *Cell Movement; Chemokine CXCL12; Chemokines, CXC; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Hypogonadism; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Kallmann Syndrome; Nerve Growth Factors; Neurons; Olfactory Pathways; Prosencephalon; Protein Precursors; Receptors, CXCR4; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; *Reproduction; *Signal Transduction; Tumor Suppressor Proteins
Disciplines
Cell Biology
Abstract
Neurons that synthesize and secrete the decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) to control the reproductive axis originate in the olfactory placode/vomeronasal organ of the olfactory system of mammals and migrate along vomeronasal nerves to the cribriform plate, which marks the boundary between the peripheral olfactory system and the forebrain. Migrating GnRH-1 neurons follow a branch of the vomeronasal nerve caudally into the hypothalamus, where they extend processes to the median eminence and halt their migration. The release of GnRH-1 into the capillaries of the median eminence starts the cascade that activates pituitary gonadotropin (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) production and secretion. Failure of these neurons to complete their migration results in failure of the reproductive axis. In some cases, failed migration is linked to the loss of the sense of smell (anosmia). The mechanisms that regulate migration of GnRH-1 neurons along this complex pathway are incompletely understood. Recent studies have revealed an important role for a series of strategically located soluble factors that regulate different aspects of GnRH-1 neuron migration at specific locations along their migratory route. This review focuses on the different mechanisms used by these factors to regulate migration of GnRH-1 neurons.
DOI of Published Version
10.1055/s-2007-984736
Source
Semin Reprod Med. 2007 Sep;25(5):305-12. Link to article on publisher's site
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Seminars in reproductive medicine
Related Resources
PubMed ID
17710726
Repository Citation
Schwarting, Gerald A.; Wierman, Margaret E.; and Tobet, Stuart A., "Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal migration" (2007). Schwarting Lab Publications. 5.
https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/schwarting/5