GnRH Episodic Secretion Is Altered by Pharmacological Blockade of Gap Junctions: Possible Involvement of Glial Cells

• DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1437
• Publication Date: 2015-11-12T13:01:18Z
• Authors: Caroline Pinet-Ch...; Sarah Geller; Elodie Desroziers; Monique Ottogalli; Didier Lomet; Christine Georgelin; Yves Tillet; Isabelle Francesc...; Pascal Vaudin; Anne Duittoz
• Keywords: Premovement neuronal activity; Neuroglia

Episodic release of GnRH is essential for reproductive function. In vitro studies have established that this episodic an endogenous property neurons and secretory pulses are associated with synchronization neuron activity. The cellular mechanisms by which synchronize remain largely unknown. There no clear evidence physical coupling through gap junctions to explain synchronization. However, glial cells has been shown regulate activity in their microenvironment. present study investigated whether cell communication plays a role secretion the mouse. Our findings show Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein-expressing located median eminence close vicinity fibers expressed Gja1 encoding connexin-43. To impact glial-gap junction on activity, model primary cultures from mouse embryo nasal placodes was used. model, possess microenvironment were able manner. forming connexin-43 displayed functional junctions. Pharmacological blockade 50 μM 18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid decreased reducing pulse frequency amplitude, suppressed neuronal drastically reduced spontaneous electrical all these effects reversed upon washout.