The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is controlled by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) released by the hypothalamus. Disruption of this system leads to impaired reproductive maturation and function, a condition known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). Most studies to date have focused on genetic causes of HH that impact neuronal development and function. However, variants may also impact the functioning of non-neuronal cells known as glia. Glial cells make up 50% of brain cells of humans, primates, and rodents. They include radial glial cells, microglia, astrocytes, tanycytes, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Many of these cells influence the hypothalamic neuroendocrine system controlling fertility. Indeed, glia regulate GnRH neuronal activity and secretion, acting both at their cell bodies and their nerve endings. Recent work has also made clear that these interactions are an essential aspect of how the HPG axis integrates endocrine, metabolic, and environmental signals to control fertility. Recognition of the clinical importance of interactions between glia and the GnRH network may pave the way for the development of new treatment strategies for dysfunctions of puberty and adult fertility.

下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴由下丘脑释放的促性腺激素释放激素（GnRH）控制。该系统的破坏导致生殖成熟和功能受损，这种状态被称为性腺功能减退性腺机能减退（HH）。迄今为止，大多数研究都集中在影响神经元发育和功能的HH遗传原因上。但是，变体也可能影响称为胶质细胞的非神经元细胞的功能。胶质细胞占人类，灵长类动物和啮齿动物脑细胞的50％。它们包括放射状神经胶质细胞，小胶质细胞，星形胶质细胞，单核细胞，少突胶质细胞和少突胶质细胞前体细胞。这些细胞中有许多会影响控制生育力的下丘脑神经内分泌系统。确实，神经胶质细胞调节GnRH神经元的活动和分泌，作用于它们的细胞体和神经末梢。最近的工作还明确表明，这些相互作用是HPG轴如何整合内分泌，代谢和环境信号以控制生育力的重要方面。认识到神经胶质细胞和GnRH网络之间相互作用的临床重要性可能为开发青春期功能障碍和成人生育能力的新治疗策略铺平道路。