Peter C.K. Leung

PhD

Investigator, BC Children's Hospital

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key regulator of mammalian reproduction. After its release from the hypothalamus, this decapeptide hormone is transported from the brain via the portal blood circulation to the anterior pituitary gland, where it stimulates the synthesis and release of the gonadotropins that play pivotal roles in the regulation of the gonads (i.e. ovary and testis). In addition, GnRH has been implicated as an autocrine regulator in several extra-pituitary tissues, including the ovary and placenta, but the specific functions are still unknown. Numerous synthetic analogs of GnRH are now being used in different areas of reproductive medicine, such as assisted reproduction. The long-term goal of my research program is to understand the multi-faceted role of GnRH in reproductive health and medicine.