The roles of GnRH in the human central nervous system.

Publication Type	Review
Authors	Wickramasuriya N, Hawkins R, Atwood C, Butler T
Journal	Horm Behav
Volume	145
Pagination	105230
Date Published	07/06/2022
ISSN	1095-6867
Keywords	Neurodegenerative Diseases
Abstract	It is widely known that GnRH plays a role in facilitating reproductive function via the HPG axis, and this was once believed to be its only function. However, over the last several decades important neuromodulatory roles of GnRH in multiple brain functions have been elucidated. Multiple GnRH isoforms and receptors have been detected outside the HPG-axis across different species. In this review, we focus on the human CNS where GnRH I and II isoforms and a functional GnRH I receptor have been isolated. We first describe the traditional understanding of GnRH within the hypothalamus and the pituitary and current clinical use of GnRH analogues. We then review the location and function of GnRH-producing neurons and receptors located outside the HPG axis. We next review the GnRH I and II neuron location and quantity and GnRH I receptor gene expression throughout the human brain, using the Allen Brain Map Atlas. This analysis demonstrates a wide expression of GnRH throughout the brain, including prominent expression in the basal forebrain and cerebellum. Lastly, we examine the potential role of GnRH in aging and inflammation and its therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disease and spinal cord lesions.
DOI	10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105230
PubMed ID	35809386
PubMed Central ID	PMC9990468