Abstract
The pituitary gonadotrophin hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), are heterodimeric glycoprotein hormones that play an essential role in the mammalian reproductive process. Synthesized in the gonadotrophs of the anterior pituitary, LH and FSH are secreted into the systemic circulation and act on the ovaries and testes to direct steroidogenesis and the final steps of gametogenesis. LH and FSH are each composed of two distinct carbohydrate-containing protein subunits in noncovalent association, a common alpha (α) subunit and a distinct beta (β) subunit that bestows biologic specificity (LHβ and FSHβ, for LH and FSH, respectively). The synthesis and secretion of LH and FSH are under regulation by stimulatory hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and negative feedback from gonadal sex steroid and peptide hormones, with further paracrine modulation by local factors produced within the pituitary gland itself. The integration of these signals results in the coordinated control of subunit gene expression, protein synthesis, and gonadotrophin secretion to promote sexual maturation and control normal reproductive function.
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