Since the awarding of the Nobel Prize to Drs. Guillemin and Schally iJ) 1971 for isolation and chemical characterization of gonadotropin releasing hormone, we have experienced a remarkable period of growth of interest in this hormone. The last 20 years have been characterized by a swift translation of basic science discovery into clinical utility. Approval of GnRH and its analogs for treatment of prostate cancer, endometriosis, of ovulation indicate the range and precocious puberty and for induction of these agents. of usefulness In order to bring together the leaders in the basic and clinical science of GnRH, a conference was organized on "Modes of Action of GnRH and GnRH Analogs" and held in Scottsdale, Arizona, February 26 to March 2, 1991. The presentations, given as chapters in this volume, show both the advances in the body of information in this discipline and the efforts underway to reduce basic science to clinical practice. The audience was a combination of representatives from universities, government, industry, and physicians in practice. The lively discussions and insightful questions indicated the interest in the topics discussed and frequently served to catalyze planned interactions of the meeting participants. The organizers are grateful to the speakers and poster presenters for their contributions and for the timely preparations of the manuscripts included in the present volume. We are also thankful to the staff of Serono Symposia, USA, for the organizational skills and support that allowed the meeting organizers to focus on the science and medicine presented.

Inhalt

I. Overview of GnRH Secretion and Mechanism of Action.- 1. Critical Determinants of GnRH-Gonadotrope Interactions in the Human.- 2. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone and Its Actions.- 3. Regulation of Gonadotropin Gene Expression by Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone.- II. Molecular and Developmental Control of GnRH Expression.- 4. Molecular Studies of GnRH.- I. Nonresponse of 5' Flanking Region of Rat GnRH Gene to Estrogen In Vitro or In Vivo.- II. Isolation and Characterization of Teleost PreproGnRH Encoding cDNA from the African Cichlid Haplochromis burtoni.- 5. Characterization, Expression, and Estradiol Regulation of the Human GnRH Gene.- 6. Control of Rat Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Promoter Activity in Placental Cells.- 7. Cellular and Molecular Aspects of LHRH Secretion and Bioactivity.- 8. Theories of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Neuronal Migration: Mechanisms and Biological Importance.- 9. Functional GnRH Neuronal Transplants in the Hypogonadal Mouse.- III. GnRH Physiology: Animal Models.- 10. GnRH Subgroups: A Microarchitecture.- 11. Exactitude in the Relationship Between GnRH and LH Secretion.- 12. Studies of LHRH Secretion into the Hypophyseal Portal Blood of the Ram: Gonadal Regulation of LH Secretion Is Exerted Mainly at the Hypothalamic Level.- 13. Gonadal Feedback Regulation of LHRH Release and Actions in the Rat.- 14. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Gene Expression During the Rat Reproductive Cycle.- 15. The Preovulatory Surge of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone.- 16. Regulation of Pulsatile LHRH Release in Primates.- IV. GnRH Antagonists.- 17. An Overview of GnRH Antagonist Development: Two Decades of Progress.- 18. GnRH Antagonists in Men.- 19. Use of GnRH Antagonists as Physiologic Probes in the Female.- 20. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Antagonist Plus Testosterone: A Potential Male Contraceptive.- 21. GnRH Antagonists: Primate Models for Clinical Indications.- 22. Use of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Analogs to Influence Sexual and Behavioral Development.- Author Index.