Steroidal modulation of the regulatory neuropeptides: luteinizing hormone releasing hormone, neuropeptide Y and endogenous opioid peptides.

Recent studies show that a large number of neuropeptides may play important roles in the hypothalamic control of reproduction and related sexual, feeding and locomotor behaviours. Based on the evidence summarized here we propose that gonadal steroids may exert a "trophic" influence on the regulatory peptides namely LHRH, NPY and EOP locally in the hypothalamus.