Hypothalamic but not pituitary or ovarian defects underlie the reproductive abnormalities in Axl/Tyro3 null mice

► AXL and TYRO are components of the TYRO3/AXL/MER (TAM) family of tyrosine kinase receptors. ► Axl/Tyro3 null mice were examined for peripheral and central loci of reproductive defects. ► Loss of AXL and TYRO3 did not alter folliculogenesis or corpora luteal function and mice had normal pituitary response to GnRH. ► Axl/Tyro3 null mice show defective sex steroid-induced LH surge mechanism. ► TAM family members play a role in GnRH neuron development and normal female reproductive function.