Potential implications of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues in assisted reproductive technology

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a hypothalamic decapeptide that acts as the key regulator in vertebrate reproduction. An in-depth understanding of the GnRH structure and function potentially alleviates the fertility management of economically essential animals. Analogues of GnRH with a wide range of variable potencies and half-lives can be designed and synthesized employing recombinant DNA technology. These agonists generally activate the GnRH-receptor (GnRH-R), whereas the antagonist blocks the GnRH-receptor (GnRH-R), thereby engaging them to facilitate a desired outcome. Both agonists and antagonists of GnRH are commercially used on a large scale for regulating the fertility of the cattle herd, thereby increasing farm productivity. Treatment of GnRH agonists in rodents showed success in experimental in vitro fertilization. The long-term use of GnRH agonists in the livestock industry shows a significant increase in the annual yield. This chapter aims to briefly discuss the multiple roles of GnRH analogues in regulating the fertility and productivity of farm mammals and laboratory rodents.