Rat and hamster brain tissues were used to investigate the possible existence of a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-releasing factor with similar characteristics to the lamprey gonadotropin-releasing hormone III (lGnRH-III) form proposed in previous reports. The present studies involved isolation and purification of the molecule by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), identification...

Granulosa cells from immature hypophysectomized diethylstilbestrol-treated rats displayed pronounced intracellular and intercellular changes after 48 hr of exposure to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in vitro. As determined by light and electron microscopy, most of the FSH-treated cells became highly aggregated and grew in multilayered clusters. Numerous gap junctions were seen between cells...

Given the close relationship among neuroendocrine systems, it is likely that there may be common signals that coordinate the acquisition of adult reproductive function with other homeostatic processes. In this review, we focus on central nervous system insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as a signal controlling reproductive function, with possible links to somatic growth, particularly during p...