Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Pharmacology and Second Messenger Mechansims Involved in Ion Channel Modulation

刘易斯9630611 生殖行为是由一种称为促性腺激素释放激素（GnRH）的激素介导的，这种激素由大脑中的细胞产生。 这种激素由神经元分泌，并与GnRH靶细胞上的一种称为受体的特定蛋白质结合。 然而，人们对这种激素与其受体的结合如何影响其他神经细胞并随后控制生殖行为知之甚少。 刘易斯博士正在研究GnRH与其受体结合改变神经元兴奋性的机制。 她正在使用一种独特而强大的系统来表达通常不包含受体的神经细胞中的GnRH受体。 她的研究中心是受体与细胞内第二信使系统的偶联，这导致了对各种带电分子的渗透性的变化。 这些调查将产生有价值的见解耦合的细胞内信使与受体激活，并提供了一个更好的理解的基本原则，在所有物种的繁殖。

Lewis 9630611 Reproductive behavior is mediated by a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which is produced by cells in the brain. This hormone is secreted by neurons and binds to a specific protein, called a receptor, on GnRH target cells. However, little is known about how the binding of this hormone to its receptor influences other nerve cells and subsequently controls reproductive behavior. Dr. Lewis is investigating the mechanisms by which GnRH binding to its receptor changes the excitability of neurons. She is using a unique and powerful system to express the GnRH receptor in nerve cells that do not normally contain the receptor. Her studies center on the coupling of the receptor to intracellular second messenger systems, which lead to changes in permeability to various electrically charged molecules. These investigations will generate valuable insights into the coupling of intracellular messengers with receptor activation, and provide an improved understanding of the basic principles underlying reproduction in all species.