Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone identification, cDNA cloning, and distribution in rhesus macaque brain.

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that modulates the reproductive physiology of birds and mammals by inhibiting gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. GnIH can also directly inhibit reproductive behaviors, possibly via action within the brain. Identification of the distribution of GnIH neurons and fibers may provide us with clues to how the brain controls reproductive activities of the animal.

Identification of European starling GnRH-I precursor mRNA and its seasonal regulation.

Songbirds show dynamic seasonal changes in their reproductive activities during the year. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-I (GnRH-I) is critical for the control of reproduction in vertebrates. The molecular mechanisms controlling reproduction are not well understood in songbirds, largely because the GnRH-I precursor polypeptide gene was unknown until now.