Female common marmoset monkey reproductive capacity is completely regulated by social status. Subordinate females show no ovarian activity and have low levels of pituitary gonadotropins, yet hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) output is not different when compared to cycling dominant females. The present study will systematically examine neuroendocrine parameters at several points along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in order to characterize any subtle differences between social states. Results will identify mechanisms by which psychosocial factors can influence reproductive integrity through small variations, rather than dramatic global changes, in the neuroendocrine environment. In all studies GnRH and luteinizing hormone (LH) parameters will be measured and compared between dominant, rank 2 and rank 3 females. Females will undergo push-pull perfusion of the stalk-median eminence with concomitant blood sampling at 10 min intervals for up to 10 hr. Experiment 1 will look for altered diurnal patterns hypothalamic GnRH and pituitary LH release. Experiment 2 will characterize GnRH and LH responses underlying the ability or inability to generate an ovulatory LH surge in response to estradiol. Experiment 3 will examine differential pituitary stimulation and responsiveness to standardized GnRH challenges; GnRH receptor concentrations will be quantified.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32MH011417-02
Application #
2655354
Study Section
Psychobiology, Behavior, and Neuroscience Review Committee (PBN)
Program Officer
Goldschmidts, Walter L
Project Start
1998-02-01
Project End
Budget Start
1998-02-01
Budget End
1999-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Woller, Michael J; Tannenbaum, Pam L; Schultz-Darken, Nancy J et al. (2010) Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone release from hypothalamic explants of male marmoset monkeys compared with male rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 298:R70-8
Tannenbaum, P L; Schultz-Darken, N J; Saltzman, W et al. (2007) Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release in marmosets I: in vivo measurement in ovary-intact and ovariectomised females. J Neuroendocrinol 19:342-53
Tannenbaum, P L; Schultz-Darken, N J; Woller, M J et al. (2007) Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release in marmosets II: pulsatile release of GnRH and pituitary gonadotrophin in adult females. J Neuroendocrinol 19:354-63
Schultz-Darken, N J; Pape, R M; Tannenbaum, P L et al. (2004) Novel restraint system for neuroendocrine studies of socially living common marmoset monkeys. Lab Anim 38:393-405
Abbott, D H; Saltzman, W; Schultz-Darken, N J et al. (1998) Adaptations to subordinate status in female marmoset monkeys. Comp Biochem Physiol C Pharmacol Toxicol Endocrinol 119:261-74