NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY OF PUBERTY

这项研究的总体目标是检验这一假设 控制神经元的特定形态变化 促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH神经元)是 启动青春期的机制。新奇的组合 神经解剖学技术与生理学评估 GnRH系统的输出有望使 对青春期研究的贡献。男性丛林人 仓鼠作为动物模型，提供了一个独特的机会 这一建议是因为性成熟受到深刻的影响 通过光周期；日长的变化可以延迟或启动 青春期。定量免疫细胞化学技术 将用于描述GnRH系统的重要特征 包括：GnRH的大小、位置、数量和分布 神经元，贯穿整个发育过程。因为有六种不同类型的 促性腺激素释放激素神经元已被发现，有观点认为 青春期是形态上特定变化的结果 一类促性腺激素释放激素神经元或种群的变化 GnRH神经系统内的特征。实验将会 以确定青春期延迟是否阻碍了这一点 促性腺激素释放激素系统的发育变化。的作用 光周期和性腺类固醇激素在反馈调节中的作用 促性腺激素对促性腺激素释放激素神经元形态的影响 探索过了。最后，内外因素的贡献 下丘脑，用于控制发病的过程 将对青春期进行研究。这种研究方法将会产生 重要的新信息，以延长当前的工作 从系统到细胞层面的青春期假说。 这一结果将对理解和理解 正常和延迟的青春期。

The overall objective of this research is to test the hypothesis that specific morphological changes in the neurons controlling gonadotropin hormone release (GnRH neurons) are part of the mechanism initiating puberty. The novel combination of neuroanatomical techniques with assessment of the physiological output of the GnRH system promises to make a significant contribution to the study of puberty. The male Djungarian hamster, as the animal model, provides an unique opportunity for this proposal because sexual maturation is profoundly influenced by photoperiod; changes in day length can delay or initiate puberty. The techniques of quantitative immunocytochemistry will be used to delineate important features of the GnRH system including: the size, location, number and distribution of GnRH neurons, throughout development. Since six distinct types of GnRH neurons have been identified it is proposed that the onset of puberty is a consequence of specific changes in the morphology of a class of GnRH neurons or changes in population characteristics within the GnRH neural system. Experiments will be conducted to determine if delayed puberty blocks this developmental change in the GnRH system. The role of photoperiod and gonadal steroids in the feedback regulation of gonadotropin hormones and upon GnRH neuron morphology will be explored. Finally, the contribution of factors within and outside of the hypothalamus, for the process controlling the onset of puberty will be studied. This research approach will yield important new information to extend the current working hypothesis for puberty from the systemic to the cellular level. The results will have broad application to the understanding of normal and delayed puberty.