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Abstract
The neuroendocrine maturation of the hypotha-lamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is described
as a process which appears to be mature and functional in the fetus. There is dynamic
activity during the neonatal period followed by a prolonged period of quiescence during
childhood. Puberty then is a resurgence of a previously active process rather that
the development of total new physiologic phenomena. Episodic release of gonadotropin
releasing hormone and consequent episodic release of gonadotropins are an inherent
part of this process. A variety of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other factors
effect this episodic release. The driving force for the onset of pubertal gonadotropin
secretion eminates from the CNS and involves much more that a readjustment of negative
feedback setpoints. The dynamics of the fetal and neonatal period are key to overall
differentiation. The period of relative quiescence of childhood is marked by diurnal
differences in gonadotropin activity, dynamic changes of ovarian follicles, and growth
of the ovaries.
Key Words
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© 1988 Springer-Verlag New York Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.