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We produce here a model to explain the control of testosterone secretion. In this model the hypothalamic secretion of the hormone LHRH (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone) is controlled by a combination of local testosterone concentration and of the local concentration of the pituitary hormone LH (luteinizing hormone). Since LHRH stimulates the release of LH, and LH in turn stimulates the release of testosterone, the three hormones constitute a three-component "feedback" network. We show how this model is able to account for the pulsatility of the release of these three hormones. Furthermore, the model is consistent with results obtained from a wide range of experimental manipulations of the system. For example, it accounts for the changes observed in hormone release patterns after castration. In particular, it follows that no "neural clock", or "neural pulse-generator", is required to force the system into pulsatile behaviour.

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Theor Biol

Publication Date

21/11/1986

Volume

123

Pages

239 - 250

Keywords

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, Humans, Hypothalamus, Luteinizing Hormone, Male, Models, Biological, Pituitary Gland, Testis, Testosterone