Multiple novel roles of luteinizing hormone

Abstract

LH is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone released from the anterior pituitary gland in response to GnRH stimulation from the hypothalamus. It is structurally and functionally related to hCG, which is primarily secreted by syncytiotrophoblasts in the human placenta. Both hormones signal through the same receptor, which is a transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily. Because hCG has a longer circulatory half-life, binds to the receptor with a higher affinity, is readily available, and is easy to radioiodinate, it is preferred for clinical and research use.