Regulation of complex pulsatile and rhythmic neuroendocrine systems: the male gonadal axis as a prototype

Prog Brain Res. 2010:181:79-110. doi: 10.1016/S0079-6123(08)81006-0.

Abstract

Hormone-secreting glands communicate via intermittent (pulsatile or rhythmic) signal exchange. Signals act upon target glands via implicit (not directly observable) stimulatory and inhibitory dose-response functions. Time delays operate, since secreted hormones do not arrive at or act on responsive cells instantaneously. Neuroendocrine systems are unique examples, therefore, of intermittent time-delayed dose-dependent homeostatic ensembles. Investigating such ensembles thus requires estimating secretion from plasma concentrations, recognizing biological time-delays and reconstructing unobserved feedforward (agonist) and feedback (antagonist) dose-response interfaces as illustrated primarily for the GnRH-LH-T-axis, and secondarily for the corticotropic and somatotropic axes. In this manner, each neuroendocrine system is viewed as a whole, rather than the sum of individual parts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biological Clocks / physiology*
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Feedback, Physiological / physiology
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / metabolism
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Gonads / physiology*
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology*
  • Luteinizing Hormone / metabolism
  • Male
  • Models, Biological
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Testosterone / metabolism

Substances

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Testosterone
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone