Neuronal Network Dynamics in the Posterodorsal Amygdala: Shaping Reproductive Hormone Pulsatility

Abstract

AbstractNormal reproductive function and fertility rely on the rhythmic secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is driven by the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator. A key regulator of the GnRH pulse generator is the posterodorsal subnucleus of the medial amygdala (MePD), a brain region involved in processing external environmental cues, including the effect of stress. However, the neuronal pathways enabling the modulation of GnRH secretion remain largely unknown. Here, we employ in silico modelling in order to explore the impact of dynamic inputs on GnRH pulse generator activity. We develop and analyse a mathematical model representing MePD neuronal circuits composed of GABAergic and glutamatergic neuronal populations, integrating it with our GnRH pulse generator model. Our analysis dissects the influence of excitatory and inhibitory MePD outputs on the GnRH pulse generator’s activity and reveals a functionally relevant MePD glutamatergic projection to the GnRH pulse generator, which we probe with in vivo optogenetics.