Aspects of GnRH Neurobiology Conserved across Vertebrate Forms

The decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) came into prominence because of its roles in releasing luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone and promoting reproductive behavior. At least three aspects of GnRH neurobiology have features which may be universal among vertebrates. First, the GnRH neuronal migration from the olfactory placode into the basal forebrain appears to hold true for forms ranging from fish to humans. Second, for proper agonist activity in the anterior pituitary, GnRH must be released in a pulsatile fashion. Since GT-1 neuronal cell cultures can demonstrate pulsatile release, it must be concluded that GnRH neuronal networks themselves can manage this type of pulsatility. Using a neuronal mathematical model with “minimalist” assumptions, we demonstrated that a network of identical neurons can achieve this self-organizing property without the use of, or spontaneous appearance of, “pacemaker cells.” Indeed, since many parameter combinations worked, and since no information about species identity or chemical cell type is provided to the model, this conclusion could apply across many vertebrate forms and, perhaps, even for other neuroendocrine cell types. Third, Fernald and colleagues (this issue ofGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology) have demonstrated remarkable effects of social context on GnRH expression in fish. Reviewed here are some data in musk shrews suggesting that behavioral and social stimuli can also modify GnRH neurons in mammals. Therefore, although GnRH neuronal mechanisms are adapted to meet species-typical variations in environment and physiology, some of the important features of this system appear to be widely conserved.