Activation of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Release Inhibits Spontaneous Firing in Adult Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons: A Possible Local Synchronizing Signal

The activation of nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathways in hypothalamic neurons plays a key role in the control of GnRH secretion that is central to reproductive function. It is unknown whether NO directly modulates the firing behavior of GnRH neurons in the preoptic region of the mature brain. Using patch-clamp recordings from GnRH neurons expressing green fluorescent protein in adult mice brain slices, we demonstrate that the NO precursor, l-arginine (Arg), or the NO donor, diethylamine/NO, induced a robust and reversible reduction in the spontaneous firing activity of GnRH neurons, including bursting activity. The effects of l-Arg were prevented by the NO synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-Arg methyl ester hydrochloride. Histochemical studies revealing a close anatomical relationship between neurons producing NO and GnRH perikarya, together with the loss of the l-Arg-mediated inhibition of GnRH neuronal activity via the selective blockade of neuronal NO synthase, suggested that the primary source of local NO production in the mouse preoptic region was neuronal. Synaptic transmission uncoupling did not alter the effect of NO, suggesting that NO affects the firing pattern of GnRH neurons by acting at a postsynaptic site. We also show that the NO-mediated changes in membrane properties in the GnRH neurons require soluble guanylyl cyclase activity and may involve potassium conductance. By revealing that NO is a direct modulator of GnRH neuronal activity, our results introduce the intriguing possibility that this gaseous neurotransmitter may be used by the sexual brain to modulate burst firing patterns. It may set into phase the bursting activity of GnRH neurons at key stages of reproductive physiology.