Control of Rat Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Promoter Activity in Placental Cells

Gonadotropin releasing hormone is a hypothalamic releasing factor that controls gonadotropin subunit gene expression and ultimately both gametogenesis and gonadal steroid synthesis and biosynthesis and thus ensures reproductive competence (1) (Fig. 6.1). Many hormones, including gonadal steroids and other hypothalamic releasing factors and neurotransmitters, are thought to impact on GnRH production. An understanding of the regulation of the expression of the GnRH gene would thus allow for the study of the basic mechanisms that underlie the control of sexual maturation and infertility.