Neuroendocrine control of reproduction in mammals

Abstract

Reproduction covers all biological processes that ensure the survival of species through the birth of new individuals. This fundamental and mandatory property of any organism is based on an efficient and highly complex mechanism. In vertebrates, the hypothalamicpituitary- gonadal axis is the anatomical substrate responsible for the reproductive competence and therefore the sustainability of the species. The coordination of this three-stage-based biological system relies on the neural control of the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) release. This system is localized in the rostral part of the ventral hypothalamus. GnRH is released in the hypophyseal portal system and stimulates the secretion of the pituitary gonadotropins that are involved in the onset of puberty and the regulation of reproductive function. This review provides understanding about the mechanisms of the neuroendocrine control of the hypothalamicpituitary- gonadal axis, in particular, on the properties of the system onto the GnRH neuroendocrine control of ovarian cycles, the effect of hypothalamic neuropeptides (kisspeptin) on GnRH neurons, the onset of puberty, and the seasonality of reproduction and concludes on research perspectives in this rejuvenated field of neurobiology.