Social regulation of gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

Physiology (Bethesda). 2011 Dec;26(6):412-23. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00032.2011.

Abstract

Reproduction is a critically important event in every animals' life and in all vertebrates is controlled by the brain via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In many species, this axis, and hence reproductive fitness, can be profoundly influenced by the social environment. Here, we review how the reception of information in a social context causes genomic changes at each level of the HPG axis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cichlids / genetics
  • Endocrine System / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / genetics
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology
  • Gonads / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism*
  • Hypothalamus / metabolism
  • Male
  • Pituitary Gland / metabolism
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Reproductive Behavior / physiology
  • Social Environment*
  • Testis / metabolism

Substances

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone