Neuroendocrinology of the reproductive system (state of physiological studies and prospects for their use in clinical practice)

The author analyzes the neuroendocrine relationships between the true adrenergic and cholinergic neuromediators and peptide neuromediators, on the one hand, and neurosecretory neurons regulating gonadotropin and prolactin secretion, on the other. About 30 neuromediators of different origin are characterized with due consideration for their localization in the CNS structures, involvement in the production and secretion of gonadotropin releasing factor, gonadotropins, prolactin, and, hence, the function of the reproductive system in general. The impact of the hormone background of sex steroids in the system of these intricate relationships is analyzed. The author presents his own findings and published data on the time course of catecholamine levels in hypothalamic structures involved in the regulation of the pituitary gonadotropic function and analyzes correlations between changed levels of sex steroids and gonadotropins in the blood and the time course of changes of catecholamines and luteotropin releasing factor in the hypothalamus. Possible mechanisms of coordination of different neuromediators of adrenergic origin and amino neuromediators with different mechanisms of action during the regulation of normal function of the reproductive system are discussed. The author assesses the efficacy of treating disorders of the reproductive system caused by the CNS disorders by combinations of sex hormones and neurotropic agents.