Endocrine Abstracts

Reproduction is a very energy costly function for the organism and, therefore, very tightly regulated by central and peripheral cues that ultimately determine the proper pattern of kisspeptin and GnRH release. Among these, metabolic cues play a critical role in the control of reproductive function, through the interplay of satiety and hunger signals. Further, the interaction between reproductive and metabolic functions is bidirectional, as kisspeptin has also emerged as a nove...

A variety of endocrine and metabolic signals regulate pituitary cell function acting through the hypothalamus-pituitary neuroendocrine axes or directly at the pituitary level. The underlying intracellular transduction mechanisms in pituitary cells are still debated. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a cellular sensor of low energy stores in all mammalian cells and promotes adaptive changes in response to calorie restriction. It is also regarded as a target for t...

Growth hormone (GH)-producing pituitary cells (somatotropes) comprise a fundamental regulator for a plethora of relevant physiological functions, including somatic growth and whole-body metabolism, by controlling the function of different endocrine/non-endocrine targets. Synthesis and release of GH has been classically thought to be primarily regulated by central, dual neuroendocrine signals: i.e. GH-releasing hormone and somatostatin. However, it is progressively becoming evi...