PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLES OF NEUROENDOCRINE PEPTIDES IN THE REGULATION OF REPRODUCTION

激活素和抑制素是性腺蛋白质，可以改变垂体和 卵巢功能。本提案中提出的工作代表 这是我们以前研究的结果和作用的延伸 由这些蛋白质扮演的角色。我们观察到，外围设备 给予激活素可增加下丘脑GnRH基因表达水平。 在特定目标1下，我们将确定抑制素是否也改变GnRH 基因表达；激活素(可能还有抑制素)对 促性腺激素释放激素转录本是受性类固醇调节的；大脑的变化 促性腺激素释放激素水平伴随着多肽释放的改变 正中隆起；以及内源性阿片类药物是否在这些中起作用 效果。我们还将研究激活素在发情过程中的作用。 周期和早期促性腺激素水平的升高 用特异性中和抗体阻断激活素的性腺切除术 配基结合区。到目前为止，这些实验将解决 抑制素/激活素的作用和影响的未知方面。

Activin and inhibin are gonadal proteins that alter both pituitary and ovarian function. The work presented in the present proposal represents an extension of our previous studies of the effects of, and the role played by these proteins. We have observed that the peripheral administration of activin increased GnRH mRNA levels in the hypothalamus. Under Specific Aim 1, we will determine whether inhibin also alters GnRH gene expression; whether the effect of activin (and possibly inhibin) on GnRH transcripts are mediated by sex steroids; whether changes in brain GnRH levels are accompanied by altered release of the peptide from the median eminence; and whether endogenous opiates play a role in these effects. We will also investigate the role of activin during the estrous cycle and during the early increase in gonadotropin levels caused by gonadectomy, by blocking activin with specific neutralizing antibodies of the ligand binding domain. These experiments will address as yet unexplored aspects of the role and effects of inhibin/activin.