# HYPOTHALAMIC CONTROL OF GONADOTROPIN SECRETION

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 1994 · $5,714

## Abstract

The overall objective of this proposal is to investigate the
hypothalamic control of gonadotrophin release in the female rhesus
monkey.  The goal of this proposal are to characterize the nature
of the LHRH pulse generating system and to investigate the manner
in which the LHRH pulse generating system is controlled by ovarian
steroid hormones, by neurotransmitters and by the interaction of
both.  Since during the previous funding period we have established
a reliable method for measurements of LHRH and catecholamine
neurotransmitters in perfusates obtain from the stalk-median
eminence of unanesthetized monkeys, we will attempt to accomplish
the goals with in vivo experiments.

In the first series of experiments the question of whether
catecholamine neurons are critically involved in the LHRH pulse
generating mechanism will be addressed in ovariectomized monkeys.
This is a logical extension of our recent finding that LHRH and
norepinephrine (NE) pulses from the stalk-median eminence are
synchronous.  Catecholamine neurotransmissions to the LHRH
neurosecretory system will be blocked by catecholamine receptor
antagonists as well as catecholamine synthesis blockers, and
changes in LHRH pulsatility and the release of catecholamines and
their metabolites will be determined by push-pull perfusion
methods.  The roles of NE, dopamine (DA) and ephinephrine (E) in
the control of LHRH pulses will be examined individually or in
combination.  In order to further characterize the LHRH pulse
generator, single unit activity of the medial basal hypothalamic
neurons will be correlated with simultaneous measurement of LHRH
and NE release.  In the second series of experiments the question
of whether the positive feedback action of progesterone of LHRH and
LH release requires alpha-adrenergic and/or DA mechanisms will be
examined in ovariectomized, estrogen-primed animals.  Agonists and
antagonists of catecholamines and E synthesis blockers will be
administered systemically or into the stalk-median eminence through
a push-pull cannula, changes in pulsatile LHRH release will be
determined.  Release of catecholamines and their metabolites and
concomitant release of LHRH will also be determined:  In the third
series of experiments negative and positive feedback effects of
estrogen of LHRH and catecholamine release will be examined in
ovariectomized monkeys.

It is our hope to obtain a clear picture of the LHRH pulse
generating system.  Results from the project will provide further
insight into the mechanisms by which the hypothalamus controls the
release of gonadotropin in primates.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2197190
- **Project number:** 3R01HD015433-11S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LCLSJAGTNZQ7
- **Principal Investigator:** Ei Terasawa-Grilley
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $5,714
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 1981-04-01 → 1994-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2197190

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2197190, HYPOTHALAMIC CONTROL OF GONADOTROPIN SECRETION (3R01HD015433-11S1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2197190. Licensed CC0.

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