Professor Greg Anderson

Research

The neuroendocrine control of reproduction.

Prof Anderson's neuroendocrinology research group focuses on the neuroendocrine regulation of fertility by nutritional factors (leptin, insulin and ghrelin) and novel neuropeptides (RFamide-related peptide or gonadotrophin inhibitory hormone). The group also investigates effects of reproductive experience on central effects of prolactin. The Anderson Neuroendocrinology Research Group forms one of the laboratories that make up the University of Otago's Centre for Neuroendocrinology.

Research Interests

1. The neural pathways by which the central drivers of fertility, GnRH neurons, sense the hormone leptin in order to respond to the animal's nutritional status (Health Research Council funded).
2. The mechanisms by which the recently-discovered brain peptide RFRP-3 regulates GnRH and LH secretion in mammals (Marsden funded).

   Using a combination of transgenic animal models, single cell measurement techniques and visualisation of cell signalling in specific target neurons, we hope to elucidate the neural pathways by which leptin and GnIH regulate reproduction. This knowledge may lead to new and improved treatment strategies for infertility. In addition, we may discover novel neurochemical targets that could be safely exploited for contraceptive purposes.