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Opioid Control of Gonadotropin Secretion

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Endorphins in Reproduction and Stress

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Abstract

Among the various neuropeptides which regulate gonadotropin secretion, endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) play an important role. Substantial evidence suggests a possible key function of for these peptides in the control of female reproduction. Infertility, for example, is typical in members of both sexes who abuse opiates. The major target of EOP in regulating reproductive function is control of the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), inhibiting the activity of hypothalamic neurons which produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). A possible action of opioids on pituitary and/or gonadal hormone secretion has also been demonstrated.

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Authors
  1. A. R. Genazzani
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  2. F. Petraglia
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  3. S. Angioni
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  4. G. Comitini
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  5. S. Bettelli
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  6. B. Preti
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  7. F. Amato
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  8. N. Tesorio
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  9. M. C. Galassi
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Universitäts-Frauenklinik, Moorenstraße 5, 4000, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Wolfgang Distler  & Lutwin Beck  & 

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© 1990 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Genazzani, A.R. et al. (1990). Opioid Control of Gonadotropin Secretion. In: Distler, W., Beck, L. (eds) Endorphins in Reproduction and Stress. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-75797-6_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-75797-6_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-52736-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-75797-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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