Fred J. Karsch, Ph.D. ~Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1970 1101 North Ingalls Bldg. (734) 647-0287 fjkarsch@umich.edu

Current Research:

Research activities are centered on the neuroendocrine regulation of ovarian cyclicity. Within this general area, our work addresses mechanisms by which various stressful stimuli are converted into endocrine signals disrupt the ovulatory cycle. Our present focus is on functional interactions between the hypothalamo-pitutitary adrenal axis and the reproductive neuroendocrine system during stress-induced suppression of the cycle. Our research approach is integrative. We combine whole animal manipulative and neurosurgical procedures to detail the secretory pattern of hormones in peripheral and pituitary portal blood, and immunocytochemical analyses of pituitary and hypothalamic tissues to identify cell types and receptors that mediate the effects of stressful stimuli on reproductive activity.

Representative Publications:

Breen, K.M. and Karsch, F.J., Does cortisol inhibit pulsatile LH secretion at the hypothalamic or pituitary level? Endocrinology 145: 692-698, 2004

Breen, K.M. and Karsch, F.J., New insights regarding glucocorticoids, stress and gonadotropin suppression. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 27: 233-245, 2006

Breen, K.M., Oakley, A.E., Pytiak, A.V., Tilbrook, A.J., Wagenmaker, E.R. and Karsch, F.J., Does cortisol acting via the type II glucocorticoid receptor mediate suppression of pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion iin response to psychosocial stress. Endocrinology 148: 1882-1890, 2007.

Back to list of faculty