Ei Terasawa
Oscillatory Behaviors of Neuroendocrine Neurons in the Hypothalamus
E-mail: terasawa@primate.wisc.edu
Research Strengths: Development: Plasticity and Repair, Membrane Excitability and Synaptic Transmission
Many types of neuroendocrine neurons in the hypothalamus release neurohormones into the pituitary portal circulation in an oscillatory manner, which is essential for normal pituitary function. My research focuses on the study of one of these neurons--the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) neurosecretory system. The aims of the current studies are: 1) to determine the mechanisms of inter- and intra-cellular communications among LHRH neurons and glia that influence pulsatile LHRH release; 2) to determine the mechanism of the onset of puberty; 3) to study the differentiation, development, and migration of LHRH neurons; and 4) to investigate ovarian steroid action on pulsatile LHRH release.
My research is being conducted on the rhesus monkey, as an important
model for humans. I take a multidisciplinary approach to accomplishing
the research aims, and use a variety of techniques including a push-pull
perfusion method to determine in vivo release of neuropeptides
and neurotransmitters; Ca2+ imaging
in cultured LHRH neurons; patch clamp recording; in vitro perfusion
of hypothalami and cultured LHRH neurons; identification of neuroendocrine
cells with immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization;
assessment of quantitative neuronal gene expression with RNase protection
assay and RT-PCR; and lesioning or applying electrical stimulation
to neural pathways and neural cells in the hypothalamus.
Selected Publications:
- Terasawa, E., K.L. Keen, R.L. Grendell, and T.G. Golos. 2005. Possible role of ATP in synchronization of Ca2+ oscillations in primate luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons. Mol. Endocrinol. 19: 2736-2747. [PDF]
- Abe, H., and E. Terasawa. 2005. Firing pattern and rapid modulation of activity by estrogen in primate LHRH-1 neurons. Endocrinology 146: 4312-4320. [PDF]
- Terasawa, E. 2005. Role of GABA in the mechanism of the onset of puberty in non-human primates. In D.M. Dhosche (ed.), GABA in Autism and Related Disorders. International Review of Neurobiology. In press.
- Gore, A.C., B.M. Windsor-Engnell, and E. Terasawa. 2004. Menopausal increases in pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone release in a non-human primate (Macaca mulatta). Endocrinology 145: 4653-4676. [PDF]
- Richter, T.A., K.L. Keen, and E. Terasawa. 2002. Synchronization of Ca2+ oscillations among primate LHRH neurons and non-neuronal cells in vitro. J. Neurophysiol. 88: 1559-1567. [PDF]
- Terasawa, E. and D.L. Fernandez. 2001. Neurobiological mechanisms of the onset of puberty in primates. Endocrinol. Rev. 22: 111-151. [PDF]
- Terasawa, E. 2001. Luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons: Mechanism of pulsatile LHRH release. Vitam. Horm. 63: 91-129.
- Mizuno, M., M. Gearing, and E. Terasawa. 2000. The role of neuropeptide Y in the progesterone-induced luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone surge in vivo in ovariectomized female rhesus monkeys. Endocrinology 141: 1772-1779. [PDF]
- Terasawa, E. 1999. Hypothalamic control of the onset of puberty. Curr. Opin. Endocrinol. Diabetes 6: 44-49.
- Terasawa, E., K.L. Keen, K. Mogi, and P. Claude. 1999. Pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in cultured LHRH neurons derived from the embryonic olfactory placode of the rhesus monkey. Endocrinology 140: 1432-1441.
- Terasawa, E., W.K. Schanhofer, K.L. Keen, and L.L. Luchansky. 1999. Intracellular Ca2+ oscillation in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) cells derived from the embryonic olfactory placode of the rhesus monkey. J. Neurosci. 19: 5898-5909. [PDF]