Do PACAP-containing neurons in the hypothalamus regulate reproductive hormone secretion?

Funded Activity Summary

This project investigates the role of a brain chemical called PACAP which is found in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which regulates the reproductive system. The hypothalamus does this by controlling the secretion of several pituitary gland hormones, LH and prolactin, which in turn stimulate normal function of the ovaries or testes. Abnormal secretion of these hormones is seen in conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, stress, critical illness, aging and many others with the result that patients have low levels of steroids in their blood and inactive gonads, changes which in themselves lead to other health problems. Because these hormones are essential for normal reproduction, it is possible that PACAP may play an important role in regulating this process, both under normal conditions and in disease. It is hoped that this research will lead to a more detailed understanding of how the endocrine system is controlled in humans and to new methods for the manipulation of the reproductive axis, under normal and disease conditions.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2000

End Date: 01-01-2002

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $182,559.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Medical microbiology not elsewhere classified

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

PACAP | amenorrhoea | anorexia nervosa | critical illness | hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism | hypothalamus | luteinising hormone | pituitary gland | prolactin

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