Dissecting the impact of stress on reproduction: Novel peptide mediates inhibitory effects of stress on female reproduction

Stress inhibits reproduction in females but the specific mechanisms driving this inhibition are unknown. This project offers a novel approach to elucidating stress-induced inhibitors of reproduction. We propose the novel peptide, gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), which is present in the brain, to be the principle protagonist in mediating the inhibitory effects of stress on sexual behaviour and secretion of reproductive hormones in the female. This project will determine the impact of stress on the synthesis and secretion of GnIH and will quantify the effects of GnIH in mediating the inhibitory effects of stress on reproduction in females.