Modulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation by dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 in LbetaT2 gonadotropes.

As the regulator of pituitary reproductive hormone synthesis, the hypothalamic neuropeptide GnRH is the central regulator of reproduction. A hallmark of GnRH action is the differential control of gene expression in pituitary gonadotropes through varied pulsatile stimulation. Among other signaling events, GnRH activation of the ERK family of MAPKs plays a significant role in the transcriptional regulation of the luteinizing hormone β-subunit gene and regulation of cap-dependent translation.