PERIODIC MODES IN A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF TESTOSTERONE REGULATION

Periodic solutions of a recently suggested parsimonious mathematical model of pulse-modulated regulation of non-basal testosterone secretion in the male are studied. The model is of third order, reflecting the three most significant hormones in the regulation loop, but yet is shown to be capable of sustaining periodic solutions with one or two pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on each period. Lack of stable periodic solutions is otherwise a main shortcoming of existing low order hormone regulation models. Copyright © 2007 IFAC