Glucocorticoid-induction of hypothalamic aromatase via its brain-specific promoter

► We demonstrate glucocorticoid induction of Cyp19a1 via its brain-specific promoter. ► Inhibition of GR via siRNA or RU-486 ablates aromatase stimulation. ► Dexamethasone induces Cyp19a1 via a specific promoter region as shown by luciferase. ► GR recruitment to aromatase promoter I.f is demonstrated by ChIP. ► This mechanism might explain in part hypothalamic anovulation.