Endocrinologia e Síndrome Metabólica
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The Ovarian Innervation Participates in the Regulation of Ovarian Functions

Roberto Domínguez and Sara E. Cruz-Morales

The release of gonadotropins is the main endocrine signal regulating ovulation and the release of hormones by the ovaries. Several types of growth factors modulate the effects of gonadotropins on the follicular, luteal and interstitial compartments of the ovaries. During the last 30 years, numerous studies have indicated that the ovarian innervations play a role in modulating the effects that gonadotropin have on the ovaries’ ability to ovulate and secrete steroid hormones. This literature review presents a summary of the experimental results obtained by analyzing the effects of stimulating or blocking the well-known neural pathways participating in the regulation of ovulation and secretion of steroid hormones. Together, the results suggest that various neurotransmitter systems modulate the effects of gonadotropins on ovulation and the ovaries capacity to secrete steroid hormones. In addition, the ovaries asymmetric capacity for ovulation and hormone secretion could be explained by the asymmetries in their innervations.