NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY OF PUBERTY

本研究的总体目标是检验这一假设 控制大脑的神经元中的特定形态变化 促性腺激素释放（GnRH神经元）是 启动青春期的机制。 新颖的组合， 神经解剖学技术与生理评估 促性腺激素释放激素系统的输出承诺，使一个重要的 对青春期研究的贡献。 男性Djungarian 仓鼠，作为动物模型，提供了一个独特的机会 这一建议，因为性成熟是深刻的影响， 光周期;白天长度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 神经元在整个发育过程中 由于六种不同类型的 GnRH神经元已被确定，它提出，发病 青春期的发育是一个特定的形态变化的结果， GnRH神经元的种类或群体的变化 GnRH神经系统的特点。 实验将 以确定青春期延迟是否会阻止这种 GnRH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 促性腺激素激素和促性腺激素释放激素神经元形态将 探讨了 最后是内外因素的贡献 下丘脑，控制发病的过程， 青春期将被研究。 这种研究方法将产生 重要的新信息，以扩大目前的工作 从系统到细胞水平的青春期假说。 这些结果将广泛应用于理解 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.