William Smith Evans

Mechanisms Subserving the Secretion of Lutenizing Hormone:

The objective of our research program is to enhance the understanding of hypothalamic and pituitary events that culminate in the secretion of the gonadotropins LH and FSH in health and disease. A specific neuronal system within the hypothalamus is capable of synthesizing and secreting the decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone, GnRH. Quanta of GnRH secreted by these neurons impinge upon cells within the anterior pituitary gland which, in turn, secretes pulses of LH and FSH. These is a one-to-one relationship between the secretion of GnRH and the pulsatile release on the gonadotropins. Our laboratory, together with Drs. J.D. Veldhuis and Michael L. Johnson has developed and validated mathematical methodologies through which secretory episodes of LH andFSH can be identified and characterized. By applying such techniques to properly obtained hormonal concentration-time series, we are now actively investigating the effects of a variety of endogenously-secreted and exogenously administered factors that control the discharge frequency of the GnRH pulse generator. Our goal is to use this methodology to define the putative pathophysiologic mechanisms that alter the function of the GnRH pulse generator and the consequent abnormalities in gonadotropin secretion.

A major focus of our clinical research program is to elucidate pathophysiologic mechanisms which may be responsible for some forms of infertility in both men and women. To date, observations made by our group and those of our colleagues at other institutions have provided the basic information necessary for the development of specific treatment modalities for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men and women. We hope to continue a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship with industry as improved methods for the treatment of infertility are sought.

Elected to SSCI, 1989;
Elected to Am Soc for Clinical Invest, 1991;
Editorial Board, JCEM, 1987;
Editorial Board, Endocrinology, 1993;
Editorial Board, Endocrine, 1993