The aging male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis: pulsatility and feedback

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2009 Feb 5;299(1):14-22. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.09.005. Epub 2008 Sep 17.

Abstract

Aging results in insidious decremental changes in hypothalamic, pituitary and gonadal function. The foregoing three main anatomic loci of control are regulated by intermittent time-delayed signal exchange, principally via gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone/estradiol (Te/E(2)). A mathematical framework is required to embody these dynamics. The present review highlights integrative adaptations in the aging male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, as assessed by recent objective ensemble models of the axis as a whole.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / blood
  • Aging / metabolism
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Feedback, Physiological / physiology*
  • Gonads / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology*
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Luteinizing Hormone / metabolism
  • Male
  • Models, Biological
  • Pulsatile Flow / physiology*
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Testosterone / metabolism

Substances

  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone