Neuroendocrine Aspects of Reproduction contains the proceedings of the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center's Second Symposium on Primate Reproductive Biology held in Beaverton, Oregon, on October 8-9, 1982. The symposium provided a forum for discussing the neuroendocrinology of reproduction in primates and tackled topics ranging from delayed puberty as a factor in human evolution to gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and pathways in the primate hypothalamus and forebrain. Comprised of 18 chapters, this book begins with an overview of some basic neuroendocrine mechanisms that influence reproductive processes, followed by a discussion on control of the onset of puberty. Control of ovulation in the rhesus macaque is considered, along with hypothalamic regulation of gonadotropin secretion in women. The next section deals with reproductive cyclicity in female primates and the extent to which the central nervous system participates in the control of such cyclicity. Subsequent chapters explore the biological basis for the contraceptive effects of breastfeeding; the effects of hyperprolactinemia on reproductive function in humans; and neuroendocrine changes during menopausal flushes. This monograph will be of interest to students, practitioners, and researchers in the fields of reproductive biology, neuroendocrinology, and physiology.

The Neuroendocrine Aspects of Reproduction...

Neuroendocrinology is a branch of biology that studies the interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system, such as the regulation of hormonal activity in the body by the brain. Progesterone and estrogen are the reproductive hormones in women while testosterone is present in men. These hormones are produced by primary reproductive glands, which include testes in men and ovaries in women. They are regulated through hormone signals generated by the follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and pituitary gland. The neuroendocrine system regulates reproduction, metabolism, eating and drinking behavior, energy utilization, osmolarity and blood pressure. The neuroendocrine system regulates all aspects of reproduction, from bonding to sexual behavior. Spermatogenesis, the ovarian cycle, parturition, lactation, and maternal behavior are all controlled by this system. It also controls the body's reaction to stress and infection. This book explores all the important aspects of clinical reproductive neuroendocrinology in the present day scenario. It is a vital tool for all researching and studying this field. The book will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and post graduate students.

Anti-social behaviors and social deficits induced mental disorders are critical problems in our society today. Social behaviors and interactions are shaped by experience, hereditary components (genes, hormones and neuropeptides) and environmental factors (photoperiods and metabolic signals). In addition to the classical gonadotropin-releasing hormone, RFamide peptides, kisspeptin and gonadotropin-inhibiting hormone are emerging as important regulators of the reproductive axis. These neuropeptides are evolutionarily conserved and are regulated by environmental factors. In this Research Topic, we advocate more recent advances in reproductive neuropeptides and sex steroids in the domains of social behavior including sexual and parental behavior, aggression, stress and anxiety. Using multiple species model, we also review how genes and the neuroendocrine system interact at the cell and organismic levels to contribute to social behavior in particular the epigenetic genomic changes caused by early life environment. We provide comprehensive insights of distinct neural networks and how cellular and molecular events in the brain regulate social behavior from a comparative perspective.