Puberty is triggered by an increase in pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) from the hypothalamus. Although the LHRH neurosecretory system is mature well before the onset of puberty, a central inhibitory mechanism restrains LHRH release in juvenile primates. Recent studies suggest that this central inhibition is primarily because of GABAergic neurotransmission. A reduction of GABAergic restraint appears to be essential for the initiation of puberty, but the mechanism that underlies the disinhibition process remains to be elucidated. Future research into the regulation of central inhibition should provide more effective treatments for the prevention of disease associated with abnormal pubertal development.