Puberty enables oestradiol-induced progesterone synthesis in female mouse hypothalamic astrocytes.

The development of oestrogen positive feedback is a hallmark of female puberty. Both oestrogen and progesterone signalling are required for the functioning of this neuroendocrine feedback loop but the physiological changes that underlie the emergence of positive feedback remain unknown. Only after puberty does oestradiol (E2) facilitate progesterone synthesis in the rat female hypothalamus (neuroP), an event critical for positive feedback and the LH surge.

Immunohistochemical amplification of mCherry fusion protein is necessary for proper visualization.

Fluorescent reporter proteins are a powerful tool being increasingly integrated into biological experiments. Their utility spans techniques such as live-cell imaging, validating transgene expression, and studying cell-type specific anatomy. As these reporters become more widely used, it is necessary to fully understand their benefits and limitations.