Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons regulate fertility and integrate hormonal status with environmental cues to ensure reproductive success. Here we show that GnRH neurons in the olfactory bulb (GnRHOB) of adult mice can mediate social recognition. Specifically, we show that GnRHOB neurons extend neurites into the vomeronasal organ and olfactory epithelium and project to the median eminence. GnRHOB neurons in males express vomeronasal and olfactory receptors, are activated by female odors and mediate gonadotropin release in response to female urine. Male preference for female odors required the presence and activation of GnRHOB neurons, was impaired after genetic inhibition or ablation of these cells and relied on GnRH signaling in the posterodorsal medial amygdala. GnRH receptor expression in amygdala kisspeptin neurons appear to be required for GnRHOB neurons' actions on male mounting behavior. Taken together, these results establish GnRHOB neurons as regulating fertility, sex recognition and mating in male mice.
FörderungenAgence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) Lille In vivo Imaging and Functional Exploration platform (Univ.) CNRS Inserm, CHU Lille Institut Pasteur of Lille European Research Council under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program Agence Nationale de la Recherche INSERM-France EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)