Biomaterial Database

The regulation of galanin gene expression in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. 1998

P D Finn, and D K Clifton, and R A Steiner

Department of Physiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.

In rats, galanin modulates luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons provide a possible source of this galanin. To understand galanin's physiological role in GnRH neurons, we used double-label in situ hybridization and computerized image analysis to examine the regulation of galanin message in GnRH neurons. We found that galanin gene expression in GnRH neurons is regulated by sex steroids, induced coincident with the LH surge, and persists well after the completion of the LH surge, and that the induction of galanin message in GnRH neurons coincident with the LH surge is sexually differentiated neonatally. We postulate that the rise in galanin gene expression in GnRH neurons at the time of the LH surge serves to replenish galanin released with GnRH that is needed for the production of the LH surge, or that galanin is involved in physiological events that occur subsequent to the LH surge.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007986	Luteinizing Hormone	A major gonadotropin secreted by the adenohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, ANTERIOR). Luteinizing hormone regulates steroid production by the interstitial cells of the TESTIS and the OVARY. The preovulatory LUTEINIZING HORMONE surge in females induces OVULATION, and subsequent LUTEINIZATION of the follicle. LUTEINIZING HORMONE consists of two noncovalently linked subunits, alpha and beta. Within a species, the alpha subunit is common in the three pituitary glycoprotein hormones (TSH, LH and FSH), but the beta subunit is unique and confers its biological specificity.	ICSH (Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone),Interstitial Cell-Stimulating Hormone,LH (Luteinizing Hormone),Lutropin,Luteoziman,Luteozyman,Hormone, Interstitial Cell-Stimulating,Hormone, Luteinizing,Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone
D007987	Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone	A decapeptide that stimulates the synthesis and secretion of both pituitary gonadotropins, LUTEINIZING HORMONE and FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE. GnRH is produced by neurons in the septum PREOPTIC AREA of the HYPOTHALAMUS and released into the pituitary portal blood, leading to stimulation of GONADOTROPHS in the ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND.	FSH-Releasing Hormone,GnRH,Gonadoliberin,Gonadorelin,LH-FSH Releasing Hormone,LHRH,Luliberin,Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone,Cystorelin,Dirigestran,Factrel,Gn-RH,Gonadorelin Acetate,Gonadorelin Hydrochloride,Kryptocur,LFRH,LH-RH,LH-Releasing Hormone,LHFSH Releasing Hormone,LHFSHRH,FSH Releasing Hormone,Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone,LH FSH Releasing Hormone,LH Releasing Hormone,Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone,Releasing Hormone, LHFSH
D009474	Neurons	The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the NERVOUS SYSTEM.	Nerve Cells,Cell, Nerve,Cells, Nerve,Nerve Cell,Neuron
D004971	Estrus	The period in the ESTROUS CYCLE associated with maximum sexual receptivity and fertility in non-primate female mammals.
D005260	Female		Females
D005786	Gene Expression Regulation	Any of the processes by which nuclear, cytoplasmic, or intercellular factors influence the differential control (induction or repression) of gene action at the level of transcription or translation.	Gene Action Regulation,Regulation of Gene Expression,Expression Regulation, Gene,Regulation, Gene Action,Regulation, Gene Expression
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012739	Gonadal Steroid Hormones	Steroid hormones produced by the GONADS. They stimulate reproductive organs, germ cell maturation, and the secondary sex characteristics in the males and the females. The major sex steroid hormones include ESTRADIOL; PROGESTERONE; and TESTOSTERONE.	Gonadal Steroid Hormone,Sex Hormone,Sex Steroid Hormone,Sex Steroid Hormones,Sex Hormones,Hormone, Gonadal Steroid,Hormone, Sex,Hormone, Sex Steroid,Hormones, Gonadal Steroid,Hormones, Sex Steroid,Steroid Hormone, Gonadal,Steroid Hormone, Sex,Steroid Hormones, Gonadal,Steroid Hormones, Sex
D051381	Rats	The common name for the genus Rattus.	Rattus,Rats, Laboratory,Rats, Norway,Rattus norvegicus,Laboratory Rat,Laboratory Rats,Norway Rat,Norway Rats,Rat,Rat, Laboratory,Rat, Norway,norvegicus, Rattus
D019004	Galanin	A neuropeptide of 29-30 amino acids depending on the species. Galanin is widely distributed throughout the BRAIN; SPINAL CORD; and INTESTINES. There are various subtypes of GALANIN RECEPTORS implicating roles of galanin in regulating FOOD INTAKE; pain perception; memory; and other neuroendocrine functions.	Galanin (1-29),Galanin (1-30)