Neuroendocrine interactions of the stress and reproductive axes

Chayarndorn Phumsatitpong; Elizabeth R Wagenmaker; Suzanne M Moenter

doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100928

Neuroendocrine interactions of the stress and reproductive axes

Front Neuroendocrinol. 2021 Oct:63:100928. doi: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100928. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

Authors

Chayarndorn Phumsatitpong¹, Elizabeth R Wagenmaker¹, Suzanne M Moenter²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
² Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States. Electronic address: smoenter@umich.edu.

Abstract

Reproduction is controlled by a sequential regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The HPG axis integrates multiple inputs to maintain proper reproductive functions. It has long been demonstrated that stress alters fertility. Nonetheless, the central mechanisms of how stress interacts with the reproductive system are not fully understood. One of the major pathways that is activated during the stress response is the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In this review, we discuss several aspects of the interactions between these two neuroendocrine systems to offer insights to mechanisms of how the HPA and HPG axes interact. We have also included discussions of other systems, for example GABA-producing neurons, where they are informative to the overall picture of stress effects on reproduction.

Keywords: CRH; Reproduction; Sex steroids; Stress.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System*
Pituitary Gland
Pituitary-Adrenal System*
Reproduction

Grants and funding

R01 HD041469/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States