A Hypothalamic Pulse Generator Governs Mammalian Reproduction

ABSTRACT The hypothalamus of mammals contains an oscillator or pulse generator that in the unmodulated state has a period of approximately one hour in monkeys and humans. The activation of this system initiates a cascade of neuroendocrine events that are required for normal gonadal function in both sexes. Deviation from the physiological frequency of the pulse generator leads to profound disturbances of the reproductive process.