Title: | From nose to fertility: the long migratory journey of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons |
Author(s): | Cariboni A; Maggi R; Parnavelas JG; |
Address: | "Department of Endocrinology, Centre of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy" |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.tins.2007.09.002 |
ISSN/ISBN: | 0166-2236 (Print) 0166-2236 (Linking) |
Abstract: | "Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, a small number of cells dispersed in the hypothalamic region of the basal forebrain, play an important role in reproductive function. These neurons originate in the nasal placode and migrate, first in the nasal compartment, then through the cribriform plate and finally through the basal forebrain, before they attain their positions in the hypothalamus. Their movement through changing molecular environments suggests that numerous factors are involved in different phases of their migration. In humans, failure of GnRH neurons to migrate normally results in delayed or absent pubertal maturation and infertility. Advances in genetic and molecular biologic techniques in this decade have allowed us to gain insights into several molecules that affect the migration of GnRH neurons and, consequently, play a role in the establishment and maintenance of reproductive function" |
Keywords: | Animals Cell Movement/physiology Fertility/*physiology Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/*metabolism Humans Nasal Mucosa/innervation/physiology Neurons/*physiology Olfactory Pathways/cytology/*physiology Pheromones/*physiology Prosencephalon/cytology/physiol; |
Notes: | "MedlineCariboni, Anna Maggi, Roberto Parnavelas, John G eng 074549/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review England 2007/11/06 Trends Neurosci. 2007 Dec; 30(12):638-44. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2007.09.002. Epub 2007 Nov 5" |