Abstract:

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is the primary endocrine system that regulates the secretion of sex hormones in animals. In-depth research on this system is crucial for improving livestock reproductive performance and treating reproductive diseases. The hypothalamus regulates the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH）, which in turn regulates the anterior pituitary, promoting its secretion of follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） and luteinizing hormone （LH）. Establishing an in vitro culture system for anterior pituitary cells can provide a methodological basis for unveiling the mechanism of anterior pituitary hormone secretion. This article introduces the anatomic location of anterior pituitary in brain ventricle as well as the types of anterior pituitary cells and the primary hormones secreted by them, reviews the isolation, culture and identification methods of anterior pituitary cells, as well as the research progress in the effects of exogenous substances on the secretion of gonadotropin （Gn） by anterior pituitary cells in vitro, in hoping to better understand the function and mechanism of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, optimize and improve the in vitro culture system of anterior pituitary cells, and provide references for screening Gn secretion regulating drugs.

Key words: pituitary gland, anterior pituitary cell, gonadotropin, hormone secretion