Krasimira Tsaneva: An Integrative Mathematical-Experimental Approach to Pulsatile Hormone Dynamics
Channel: NorthWestBiomathsDataScienceSeminars
Date: 2020-12-10

North West Seminar Series of Mathematical Biology and Data Science 

Wednesday, 9th December 2020 (hosted by Ivo Siekmann) 

https://www.cms.livjm.ac.uk/APMSeminar/

Abstract:

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator controls the pulsatile secretion of the gonadotropic hormones LH and FSH and is critical for fertility. The hypothalamic arcuate kisspeptin neurons are thought to represent the GnRH pulse generator, since their oscillatory activity is coincident with LH pulses in the blood; a proxy for GnRH pulses. However, the mechanisms underlying GnRH pulse generation remain elusive. We developed a mathematical model of the kisspeptin neuronal network and confirmed its predictions experimentally, showing how LH secretion is frequency-modulated as we increase the basal activity of the arcuate kisspeptin neurons in vivo using continuous optogenetic stimulation. Our model provides a quantitative framework for understanding the reproductive neuroendocrine system and opens new horizons for fertility regulation and management.