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Reproductive Toxicity: Hypothalamic‐Pituitary Mechanisms
Author(s) -
Smith Carol Grace
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.1983.4.1-2.107
Subject(s) - prolactin , hypothalamus , medicine , libido , reproductive system , infertility , gonadotropin , hormone , hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis , endocrinology , gonadotropin releasing hormone , pharmacology , luteinizing hormone , pregnancy , biology , genetics
The hypothalamic‐pituitary axis serves as the primary control center for reproductive hormones. Several agents can inhibit this control center and thereby disrupt reproductive function. Of major interest among these agents are the neuropharmacologic drugs that alter the central rervous system input to the hypothalamus. Such drug classes as the barbiturates, narcotics, certain tranquilizers, and marijuana can inhibit gonadotropin secretion by this mechanism. Changes in gonadotropin and prolactin levels can result in disruptive effects on the reproductive system including infertility, changes in libido, and problems with sexual function.