Mechanisms of specific regulation of gonadotropn subunits expression by pulsatile GnRH stimulation

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PACAP and its receptor are expressed not only in the central nervous system, but also in peripheral organs and function to stimulate pituitary hormone synthesis and release as both hypothalamic-pituitary releasing factor as well as an autocrine-paracrine factor within the pituitary. PACAP stimulates the expression of the gonadotropin alpha, LH betand FSH beta subunits as well as the GnRH receptor and its own PACAP type I receptor (PAC1R) in gonadotropin-secreting pituitary cells. In turn, GnRH, which has been known as a crucial component of gonadotropin secretion, stimulates the expression of PACAP and PAC1R in gonadotrophs. In addition, PAC1R presents in GnRH-producing neuronal cells and PACAP modulates the functions of GnRH neurons. It is evident that PACAP plays a role in reproductive function through regulating gonadotropins directly or indirectly by modulating GnRH release.