Given the close relationship among neuroendocrine systems, it is likely that there may be common signals that coordinate the acquisition of adult reproductive function with other homeo-static processes. In this review, we focus on central nervous system insulin-like growth factor–1 (IGF-1) as a signal controlling reproductive function, with possible links to somatic growth, particularly during ...

In European aquaculture, Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis L., is perceived as one of the most highly valuable freshwater fish species and a strong candidate for development aquaculture. pursuit improving quality reproduction in this domesticated species, investigating hormones mediating final oocyte maturation (FOM) therefore indispensable. But, exact nature maturation-inducing hormone (MIH) p...

Despite numerous studies reported during the past six years, the controversy concerning the effects of ACTH and cortisone on tuberculous infections continues. When one considers the many known and unknown factors that influence host-parasite relationships, the different reactions of different species to tuberculous infections, and the varied effects of different drugs and hormones on the infect...

Background: Formaldehyde is associated with overproduction of endogenous opioids (EOP), nitric oxide (NO) and cytokins in the blood streams. These consequences can affect sex hormones. Since proper fertility will result physiological balance of sex hormones so that we investigated the relationship between Formaldehyde and sex hormones and apoptotic germ cells in adult male rats. Materials and M...

Successful mammalian reproduction depends on proper synthesis of the pituitary-derived glycoprotein hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Several transcription factors cooperate to activate cell-specific and hormone-regulated expression of the gonadotropin beta subunits (Lhb and Fshb). Among these, NR5A1 (steroidogenic factor 1; SF1) has been shown to direct...

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal endocrine axis regulates reproduction through estrous phase-dependent release of the heterodimeric gonadotropic glycoprotein hormones, LH and FSH, from the gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary. Gonadotropin synthesis and release is dependent upon pulsatile stimulation by the hypothalamic neuropeptide GnRH. Alterations in pulse frequency and amplitude alter t...

Behaviorally subordinate female common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) undergo suppression of ovulation and chronic reductions in basal plasma cortisol concentrations. Indirect evidence suggests that hypophyseal chorionic gonadotropin (CG; the major pituitary luteinizing gonadotropin in marmosets) may elevate cortisol concentrations in female marmosets, and therefore that social suppression of C...

A material similar to the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG-beta) was detected in serum (300 ng/ml) and tumor extract from a 75-yr-old man with pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma. This material was indistinguishable from hCG-beta in three different types of radioimmunoassay that displayed widely varying reactions with glycoprotein trophic hormones and their subunits. In gel chro...

In the adult male, the testes produce both sperm and testosterone. The function of the testicles is directed by the central nervous system and pituitary gland. Precise regulation of testicular function is conferred by an elegant feedback loop in which the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins is stimulated by gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus and modulated by te...

Kisspeptins, a family of neuropeptides encoded by the Kiss1 gene that are mainly expressed in discrete neuronal populations of the hypothalamus, have recently emerged as essential upstream regulatory elements of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) neurons and, thereby, potent elicitors of gonadotropin secretion. Indeed, kisspeptins are now recognized as important regulators of key aspects of ...