The autonomic and sensory subdivision of the peripheral nervous system plays an important role in the control of ovarian functions, which is guaranteed by the location of nerve endings within the close vicinity of all ovarian structures. Noradrenaline participates in regulating follicle growth, ovulation and, through acting on β-adrenergic receptors, is able to increase the activity of enzymes participating in the synthesis of steroids and oxytocin, thus augmenting their production in ovarian cells. Acetylcholine, similarly to noradrenalin, also participates in the ovulation process and increases the synthesis of steroid hormones. The effect of particular neuropeptides on ovarian steroid genesis and/or ovulation may be either stimulatory or inhibitory, depending on the type of cell and steroid. It has been suggested that neurotransmitters of adrenergic, cholinergic and peptidergic nerve fibers can also influence the steroidogenic activity of ovarian cells indirectly, i.e. by regulating ovarian blood flow. The crucial role of peripheral nerve fibers in the control of particular ovarian functions has been further substantiated by results of studies related to the de-nerving of the gonad: serious disturbances in follicular development, ovulation and steroid-genesis were observed following the disruption of the intra-ovarian nerve fibers. Moreover, the prominent role of nerve growth factors in regulating ovarian functions (both the growth and maturation of follicles, as well as steroid-genesis) has recently also been emphasized. The latter, along with neurotransmitters released from adrenergic nerve fibers, may be of great importance during the course of polycystic ovary syndrome.
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