Identified GnRH neuron electrophysiology: a decade of study

Brain Res. 2010 Dec 10:1364:10-24. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.066. Epub 2010 Nov 1.

Abstract

Over the past decade, the existence of transgenic mouse models in which reporter genes are expressed under the control of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) promoter has made possible the electrophysiological study of these cells. Here, we review the intrinsic and synaptic properties of these cells that have been revealed by these approaches, with a particular regard to burst generation. Advances in our understanding of neuromodulation of GnRH neurons and synchronization of this network are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / physiology
  • Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels / physiology
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena*
  • Electrophysiology / methods
  • Extracellular Space / metabolism
  • Extracellular Space / physiology
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Potassium Channels / physiology
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / physiology
  • Steroids / physiology

Substances

  • Calcium Channels, T-Type
  • Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated
  • Steroids
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone