Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Function

Fig. 1. Hormone secretion and control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Plus and minus signs indicate stimulation and inhibition respectively. In both male and female animals the dominant feedback effect of gonadal steroids on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is inhibitory. The only major exception is in the female in which a rapid FSH-induced increase in the concentration of oestradiol triggers a large increase of the secretion of LH to induce ovulation. Note that LHRH secreted by the hypothalamus is carried directly to the pituitary gland without entering the peripheral circulation. Since the pituitary and gonadal hormones are secreted into the peripheral blood stream the functional response to hormone agonists or antagonists may be assessed by simple measurements of circulating hormone concentration ).

Figure 33.2. Endocrine feedback loops of the mammalian hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. (Adapted from La Barbera A. R. Differentiation and function of the female reproductive system. In Boekelheide, K., Chapin, R. E., Hoyer, P. B., and Harris, C. (Eds.). Comprehensive Toxicology, Vol. 10, Reproductive and Endocrine Toxicology, Elsevier, New York, 1997, pp. 255-272 and Creasy, D. M., and Foster, P. M. D. Male reproductive system. In Haschek, W. M., Rousseaux, C. G. and Wallig, M. A. (Eds.). Handbook of Toxicologic Pathology, 2nd ed., Academic Press, San Diego, 2002,pp. 785-846. E2, estradiol T, testosterone, DHT, dihydrotestosterone, FSH, follicle stimulating hormone LH, luteinizing hormone.

Follow-up studies have demonstrated that tm-DNB exerts a direct effect on the germinal epithelium and not through alterations in hypothalamic and pituitary control of gonadal function." No reproductive effects have been reported in humans. 

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