Endocrine Abstracts

The brain controls reproduction through the secretion of GnRH, but a series of higher brain centres control the secretion of GnRH into the hypophysial portal system. Whereas GnRH might be considered the ‘speaker’ for the brain in the reproductive axis, there is significant ‘cross-talk and chatter’ relating to the higher brain centres of control. Most prominently, kisspeptin mediates the feedback effect of sex steroids on GnRH cells, which may be effected at...

Professor Clarke graduated from Massey University, New Zealand (B. Agric. Sci., 1971) followed by M. Agric. Sci. (1st Class) in reproductive physiology in 1973). He then obtained his PhD at Edinburgh University, Scotland in 1976, studying endocrinology and behaviour. He has since moved to Australia and became Senior Research Fellow of NHMRC in 1986, rising to Principal Research Fellow in 1991. He became Chairman, D...