The preovulatory surge in the secretion of LH is timed by a neuroendocrine integrative mechanism that involves ovarian estradiol levels and the endogenous circadian system. Studies in female rats and hamsters have established that the clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus has a preeminent role in setting the LH surge, and anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological data are revealing the responsible connections between suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons and GnRH and estradiol-receptive areas. Recent investigations show that GnRH and pituitary cells express circadian clock genes that might play a role in the release and reception of the GnRH signal. Analysis of the circadian regulation of the LH surge may provide a model for understanding how multiple neural oscillators function within other neuroendocrine axes.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Iglesia et al. (2005) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: