Advancing reproductive neuroendocrinology through research on the regulation of GnIH and on its diverse actions on reproductive physiology and behavior

The discovery of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in 2000 has led to a new research era of reproductive neuroendocrinology because, for a long time, researchers believed that only gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulated reproduction as a neurohormone. Later studies on GnIH demonstrated that it acts as a new key neurohormone inhibiting reproduction in vertebrates. GnIH reduces gonadotropin release and synthesis via the GnIH receptor GPR147 on gonadotropes and GnRH neurons. Furthermore, GnIH inhibits reproductive behavior, in addition to reproductive neuroendocrine function. The modification of the synthesis of GnIH and its release by the neuroendocrine integration of environmental and internal factors has also been demonstrated. Thus, the discovery of GnIH has facilitated advances in reproductive neuroendocrinology. Here, we describe the advances in reproductive neuroendocrinology driven by the discovery of GnIH, research on the effects of GnIH on reproductive physiology and behavior, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying GnIH synthesis and release.

Automated summary

The discovery of GnIH in 2000 has revolutionized the field of reproductive neuroendocrinology by demonstrating its role as a key neurohormone inhibiting reproduction in vertebrates. GnIH acts through the GPR147 receptor to reduce gonadotropin release and synthesis, impacting both reproductive behavior and neuroendocrine function. The modulation of GnIH synthesis and release by internal and environmental factors highlights the complex regulatory mechanisms underlying reproductive neuroendocrinology.