Rhythms in the Hypothalamus and Pituitary

This workshop, sponsored by AIM and the NSF, will bring together experimental and mathematical researchers in neuroendocrinology to study and develop mathematical models for rhythmogenic mechanisms in the hypothalamus and pituitary.

Endocrine hormone levels in the blood exhibit a wide variety of rhythms with periods ranging from minutes to a year. In several cases, rhythmicity of a hormonal signal has been shown to be vital for activating the target cells. For example, periodic release of hypothalamic GnRH is necessary for initiating and maintaining reproductive function in mammals. The hypothalamus appears to be the center of origin of many hormonal rhythms, where endocrine neurons synchronize to release periodic signals. However, pituitary responses to hypothalamic stimuli can be counter-intuitive, depending in part on feedback from target tissues. Despite the significance of the rhythms for hormonal actions under both normal and pathological conditions, we do not yet understand the mechanisms underlying these rhythms and their interactions. Rhythmogenesis in excitable endocrine cells is a complex process that involves sophisticated feedback-feedforward interactions, membrane electrical activity, calcium signaling and network synchronization. Mathematical models are needed to integrate data and clarify rhythmogenic mechanisms in the hypothalamus and pituitary.

Specific topics include:

1. The mechanism of GnRH pulse generation and mathematical models for the synchronization of GnRH neurons.
2. The development of a model of the menstrual/estrus cycle that incorporates the interactions between GnRH neurons, pituitary gonadotrophs and the ovaries.
3. The development of mathematical models for other hormonal rhythms, interations, and responses to non-rhythmic factors, as in the stress axis.
4. Mechanisms for the electrical activities and calcium dynamics of hypothalamic neurons and pituitary cells and mathematical models of these activities.
5. The relationship between membrane electrical activity and hormonal rhythms: experimental evidence and mathematical models.

The workshop will differ from typical conferences in some regards. Participants will be invited to suggest open problems and questions before the workshop begins, and these will be posted on the workshop website. These include specific problems on which there is hope of making some progress during the workshop, as well as more ambitious problems which may influence the future activity of the field. Lectures at the workshop will be focused on familiarizing the participants with the background material leading up to specific problems, and the schedule will include discussion and parallel working sessions.

The deadline to apply for support to participate in this workshop has passed.

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